53 pages • 1 hour read
Red Azalea
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Book Brief
306
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
China • 1960s-1970s
1994
Adult
18+ years
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 The memoir includes a false accusation of sexual assault and outdated language describing mental health.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
11,100 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
11,100 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
306
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
China • 1960s-1970s
1994
Adult
18+ years
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