| Becoming Madame Mao recounts the experiences of a Chinese opera singer who sought to have great influence, and eventually rose to power in the ruling Communist government. This is a valuable behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the Communist party during the age of the Cultural Revolution. Madame Mao used her influence as the spouse of Chairman Mao to take care of business, both cultural and personal, in a ruthless and driving fashion that earned her mostly scorn throughout her native land.
Students of Chinese or political history get a rare glimpse of this female power. Most texts on the subject are detailed only on the person of Chairman Mao. Madame Mao's persistence and success provides an opportunity to study one of history's more interesting and rarely glimpsed figures. The book is presented in both first and third person narrative. This provides interesting insights into the both the feelings of Madame Mao, as well as the perceptions of others to her actions. Despite the rich historical background, the author still permits readers to make their own judgment on the life of Madame Mao. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's Life of a profession: Ethnic/Regional/Religion Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Job/Profession/Status story Yes Ethnic/regional/gender life Yes Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - long lived adults Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - Female Age: - long-lived adults Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Intelligence - Average intelligence Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 2 () Asia/Pacific Yes Asian country: - China Writing Style Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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