I read three of Anchee Min's other novels before this - the Empress duology and Becoming Madame Mao. Compared to these, this book is not as good, especially since Min uses a lot of short sentences, so some parts almost feel like 'See Spot Run'. This offers a nice firsthand account of the Cultural Revolution, but does not offer a whole picture - not that Min can be blamed, since she had been confined to Red Fire Farm so much.
I wish that Ms. Min could have focused a little more on her family, childhood, and outside events, because compared to 'Empress Orchid', this book comes out as rather dry and lacking when it comes to description. If you're new to Anchee Min, I recommend that you read Empress Orchid before this book. It's a enjoyable read, but not the best memoir.Get more detail about Red Azalea.
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