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Red Azalea

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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Anchee Min

Red Azalea

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

306

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

China • 1960s-1970s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Red Azalea by Anchee Min, first published in 1994, is an autobiographical memoir blending fact and fiction, set against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution. It details Min's journey from a young revolutionary in Shanghai to grueling farm work and her role in state propaganda films. This account reveals the oppressive impacts of Mao's regime while exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the quest for personal freedom. The memoir includes a false accusation of sexual assault and outdated language describing mental health.

Emotional

Dark

Mysterious

Challenging

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

11,100 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Red Azalea by Anchee Min is widely praised for its poignant, vivid portrayal of life during China's Cultural Revolution, showcasing Min's lyrical prose and emotional depth. Readers appreciate its compelling personal narrative, although some feel the pacing is slow and the transitions abrupt. Overall, it is a remarkable and evocative memoir.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Red Azalea?

Readers who appreciate Red Azalea by Anchee Min are often drawn to deeply personal memoirs set against politically charged backdrops. Fans of Wild Swans by Jung Chang or Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi will find Min's exploration of life during China's Cultural Revolution compelling and insightful.

4.0

11,100 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Anchee

The protagonist and narrator who navigates various roles within the Cultural Revolution, from student to farmer to set clerk, constantly evolving in her understanding of her identity and beliefs.

The commander at Red Fire Farm who forms a close relationship with Anchee and grapples with her position and personal desires within the Party's framework.

An effeminate and influential figure in the artistic production of Jiang Ching’s films, also serving as Anchee’s protector and critic.

The antagonist at Red Fire Farm, who opposes Anchee and Yan, showcasing a staunch loyalty to revolutionary principles.

A teacher at the film studio who embodies the pervasive influence of Mao's propaganda and antagonizes Anchee.

An initially friendly competitor at the film studio who vies for the same role as Anchee but reveals underlying antagonistic tendencies.

Yan’s brief love interest, depicted as nervous and lacking significant development beyond his relationship with Yan.

A dynamic character at the farm, initially confident in her own pleasure-seeking, whose trajectory challenges revolutionary ideals.

Anchee’s favorite teacher from her youth who inspires her, yet falls victim to Anchee's revolutionary zeal.

A representation of traditional acceptance of revolutionary roles, who experiences personal hardships and struggles with Anchee's evolving identity.

Book Details
Pages

306

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

China • 1960s-1970s

Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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