Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin
A Memoir
The book is a memoir of a Chinese peasant boy who, chosen at a young age by Madame Mao's cultural delegates to become a ballet dancer, undergoes a grueling training at Beijing Dance Academy. Through sheer determination and resilience, he excels and earns a rare opportunity to study in America. His experiences abroad open his eyes to the stark contrasts between the communist regime of China and the freedoms of the West. The story follows his emotional and ideological struggle as he eventually defects, leaving behind his family and homeland to pursue his passion for dance and a life of artistic and personal freedom.
The 11059th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 2003
- Nationality
- Australian
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 528
- Original Language
- English
- Avg User Rating
-
(5.0)
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 15th on Top 25 Best Fiction Books on China: Understanding Contemporary China through Modern Literary Fiction (What’s on Weibo)
- 64th on My Favourite Book - Australian Big Read (Australian Big Read)