01 Mar / Red Azalea by Anchee Min [in What Do I Read Next? Multicultural Literature]
A personal memoir of Min’s difficult young life in China during the brutal Cultural Revolution. From Shanghai to an intense labor camp to menial labor in a film studio – until she finally escapes to the U.S. – Min remains a true survivor in spite of nearly impossible odds.
The book’s title refers to the film, Red Azalea, a government-sponsored propaganda production about Chairman Mao’s wife. Min was one of three potential actresses chosen to train for the lead, but she was ultimately not cast. At the Shanghai Film Studio, Min became friends with actress Joan Chen (of The Last Emperor fame); Min publicly credits Chen with helping her finally escape Communist China.
Review: “Asian American Titles,” What Do I Read Next? Multicultural Literature, Gale Research, 1997
Readers: Adult
Published: 1995