In a sweeping novel that moves gracefully from the intimately personal to the larger stage of world events, best-selling author Anchee Min tells the stirring, erotically charged story of Madame Mao Zedong, the woman almost universally known as the 'white-boned demon,' whom many hold directly responsible for the excesses of the Cultural Revolution. Bringing her lush psychological insight to bear on the facts of history, Min penetrates the myth surrounding this woman & provides a 'convincing, nuanced portrait of a damaged personality' (Entertainment Weekly) driven by ambition, betrayal, & a never-to-be-fulfilled need to be loved. With all the compressed drama & high lyrical poetry of great opera, Becoming Madame Mao has become a major literary event. 'The result is a fascinating, edgy portrait of a woman who brought misery to herself & untold millions' (USA Today). 'Part love story, part political epic, Becoming Madame Mao stunningly reveals the haughty beauty who emerged from her early struggles to become the most powerful, feared, & ultimately despised woman in China' (Elle). This is 'a lovely, brave book that deserves applause' (Paul West). From the best-selling author of RED AZALEA, this extraordinary novel tells the stirring, erotically charged story of Madame Mao Zedong, the woman almost universally known as the 'white-boned demon,' whom many hold directly responsible for the excesses of the Cultural Revolution. Bringing her lush psychological insight to bear on the facts of history, Min penetrates the myth surrounding this woman and provides a 'convincing, nuanced portrait of a damaged personality' (Entertainment Weekly) driven by ambition, betrayal, and a never-to-be-fulfilled need to be loved. With all the compressed drama and high lyrical poetry of great opera, BECOMING MADAME MAO is a 'remarkable accomplishment . . . Madame Mao is finally given her own voice' (Ha Jin). |