Anhua Gao's parents were hailed as revolutionary heroes. In her early years she knew love and support and grew up in a privileged world. But when they both tragically died, all she was left with was her parent's fading reputation to guide her through the horrors of 20th century China. This is the story of how Anhua first struggled with and then against the ideological machine of Red China. It is a story of pain and horror, turmoil and tragedy. But most of all it is the story of a woman who found courage, hope and humour and who, against unbelievable odds, survived.
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'A candid humility and patient lovingness that regularly snatched at this reader's heart' Independent
About the Author
Anhua Gao was born in 1949 in Shandong, Nanjing Province and moved to England after a lifetime of tremendous hardship in December 1994. This is her first book. She now lives in Folkestone, Kent.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By Essex Girl
Format:Paperback
I have read quite a few biographies and novels set in China during the last century. Many women have written about their experiences in such volatile and changing times and obviously some are better told than others. This, for me, is one of the better ones. Gao's parents were committed Communists who had a high rank in the party. Their status helped protect her after their death, when the Communist regime failed its people and then persecuted them. Gao's tale is told chronologically and catalogues many of the events and their affects on the people in China generally, as well as direct effects on herself and family friends. For a moving, yet ultimately uplifting, version of what it was like for a young woman in China then this very well written book is one to go for.
I don't read as much as I would like these days, but this is one of only a few books I have rated 5 stars and definitely one of the best books I have read in 2003.
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I was greatly touched by the moving story,a real page-turner! But sometimes I just had to lay it aside to cope with my emotions. Sometimes tears, othertimes laugh-out-loud amusement and at times just to allow my heart to slow down to normal. Being of Chinese origin, the wonderful descriptive way with words Anhua Gao has, easily allowed me to imagine myself in her situation. I experienced the pain, just like the millions of other Chinese who suffered the same disaster under Mao's cruel regime. Anyone in the West who wants to know China better should read this book and use it as the best reference book for their research. The book tells you what really happened during the second half of the 20th century, and how it affected one tiny woman. Born in the same year the Communists took power in China, she knew nothing other than the official Party line. Although Mao has been dead for over twenty years, his teachings are still the dominant force behind Chinese Communist Party thinking. Fortunately, most Chinese people have now realized how evil Mao was and no longer believe in Communism. This is the best book I have ever read. And I know you will enjoy it too. But be warned,it will shock you to your core, and it is not for the squeamish.I recommend this book to all my friends...and so will you.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Anhua Gao writes her account with strength and clarity. She shows the madness and chaos of the Cultural Revolution in China, where torture and imprisonment was an everyday occurence. But yet the where the good in the human soul still burns strongly. I'd recommend anyone with an interest in the communist regime in China to read this woman's touching account of her own life through this terrible time.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
a ground-breaking memoir
This is a truly unforgettable book, a story of one woman's life in communist China that will live with you long after you have finished reading. Read more
Published 4 months ago by thetruthshallsetyefree
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptional
I have read Jung Chang's Wild Swans, Ai Pingmu's Vermilion Gate, Sirin Phathanothai's Dragon's Pearl, and Nien Cheng's Life and Death in Shanghai. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Miss R
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Having visited China a couple of times in 2011 and 2012 I wanted to read about it's more recent history, particularly the Cultural Revolution. This book did not disappoint. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Mike Bingham
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really moving
After visiting China, I wanted to find out more about its recent history. I don't really want to read historical text books so this autobiography was a real eye-opener. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Reddy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
I bought this book after reading such fantastic reviews about it on amazon and I wasnt disappointed. It is one of the best books I have every read. highly recommended.
Published 8 months ago by sue
5.0 out of 5 stars
An interesting read
An unforgettable book, one that gives the reader a glimpse into life in China during the rise of communism. Anna brings us on a vivid journey through her life. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Matilda Jenkins
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect gift
I bought this book for my mum at christmas and it arrived very promptly. She has just recently finished reading it and she really enjoyed it.
Published on 8 Mar 2011 by Deepii
4.0 out of 5 stars
Touching and heart-warming true history
This is an historic tale told by one girl who lived through life in Communist China. It is a pleasure to read - depsite the harrowing subject matter - and leaves you with a real... Read more
Published on 8 April 2009 by Hayles
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absolutely wonderful
Anhua, the daughter of two revolutionary martyrs, tells us the story of her experiences growing up in communist China and experiencing Maos descent into madness. Read more
Published on 20 Dec 2005 by "suziestuddart"
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Great read
This book I read sometime ago but each time in passing the bookcase I remember what a catching, highly informative and drawing read it is. Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2005 by Mr. Ms. Casey
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