Hello:
Call me ignorant - I'll admit it! I need a good, accessable book on Mao and the history of China. Something like Rutherfurd's London or Russka would be great, but I am also open to a non-fiction that is plesant ot read....
On Amazon the first one to come up for Mao is: Mao:The unknown story by Cheng, and bookmarks also had a review of it and gave it 3.5 stars. Do you have any other recommendations to give this ingnorant about China reader an introduction?
Thank-you in advance!
One book isn't possible
I think you want to read about the revolutionary times because you mention Mao and Chinese history. Chinese history goes back several thousand years BC. I'll keep an eye on this forum because I'd be interested in a Chinese History book. I took a Chinese History class in college, but don't have anything anymore.
If you are interested in modern history, here are a few that have been written:
1) The Private Life of Chairman Mao by Li Zhi-Sui, Mao's personal physician of 22 years. Mao shared his thoughts with Li. You'll also read about some of Mao's unusual personal habits that only his physician would know.
2) Red Azalea by Anchee Min tells of her experiences as a young woman living through the Cultural Revolution. Gritty with detail and emotional depth. I found it well-written and compelling.
3) Life and Death in Shanghai by Nien Cheng was one of the first books written about the Cultural Revolution. Cheng was from a wealthy family in Shanghai. She was an older woman at the time. Memorable for her courage and intelligence during her imprisonment during this terrible time.
4) Wild Swans by Jung Chang is a multi-generational story. I didn't find this book that interesting since I'd read the others. I wasn't interested in the history of her family which I didn't think was that notable.