If you want an insight into the history of 20th century China, there are better books than this; most notably Wild Swans by Jung Chang. But Xiao-Mei's story is fascinating and heartbreaking in equal measure and, although fragmented at times, reasonably well told (3/5 as a biography). Where this book comes into its own is both in the humility of the author and the blend of philosophy and insight into the mind of the classical artist. It makes you think, it challenges you and it educates you. Reading this book has made me want to explore more fully many of the themes within, themes about myself rather than someone else's story. Unexpectedly, this has turned into one of the most inspiring personal development books I've read Oh the insanity of humanity! It's heartbreaking all the evils we are capable of when we try to fix what we see as wrongs in the world. The recognition that we don't know everything especially why other people do what they do would seriously go a long way. If we were all willing to combine that with assuming the best of people... If we could ... If we would... Oh I don't know what we should do, but maybe we could try love or at least some empathy for our fellow man. I guess this isn't a real review but it is the thoughts that I have when thinking about this book.
Excellent book about China and time in history I knew nothing about. Well worth reading!
—luk
Kindle edition:An excellent human drama, very informative,but hard to read.
—ljpg
Beautifully written memoir about life during the Cultural Revolution.
—Legendary
Also a very inspirational read....
—readingf451
