“I am always glad to see this book available in book stores. I purchased and read it because I saw it reviewed positively in "The New American." It always starts a intense discussion among people interested in China. I hope it does not dissappear down the Owellian memory hole.”
“First off, yes this book is biased. There are passages in there that do not make this a factual, objective book. But how on earth could it be, when the author grew up in China and witnessed Mao's rule? Not withstanding, this book is still monumental and meticulously researched. Some conclusions may be drawn wildly but I do think that Jung Chang's passionate bias is an important part of the book, even more so then perhaps if it had been completely objective. Her hatred of Mao is an unintentional piece of evidence and provides further insight into what Mao has done to his populace. Despite any flaws it may have, I do think this is crucial reading for those that will keep an open mind. Despite its thickness it is very engrossing, certainly one of the thicker books I've managed to finish lately!”
“An amazing feat. This book proves beyond dispute that Mao was not a great leader but rather an opportunistic and ruthless magalomaniac who forced his subjects to death by the (literally) millions in order to secure 'superpower' status for China. Should be required reading for anyone calling themselves a maoist.”
“Just to be fair we should note that the authors have been criticized for some sloppy use of sources...Nonetheless, this stands as a monumental indictment of Mao. The whole myth of the Long March, etc. has been exposed recently by other sinologists as well. It's sad that children are still taught to hold him in high esteem. I believe there's a Chinese saying which says something to the effect of "If you win, you're a hero; if you lose, you're a scoundrel." But truth will triumph in the end. Indeed, I have read that new Chinese elementary school textbooks emphasize that history is created by the masses more than by leaders. Mao's role has been reduced signifcantly. Maybe there's a lesson to be learned here. If authority is created by charisma rather than law, it is difficult for any leader to insure his or her own legacy. All those Cultural Revolution posters of Mao look rather campy and ridiculous now. And sooner or later, they will remove that hideous mausoleum.”
“Interestingly enough, no one has written a comparable expose about Zhou Enlai, who still has a reputation for being gracious, civilized, urbane, etc. Yet Zhou was also ruthless-- when he was in the underground in Shanghai, he ordered the whole family of a Communist defector killed. ”
“Is Mao, the Unknown Story a fair and balanced work on who Mao was? I think not. What do you think? ”
“The damage Mao has made to China and chinese people will be evaluated by history eventually. Unfortunately, there is a Mao in our history. Back then, chinese people were fooled that he is the right person to lead the county. But the reality proved that he is not someone with modern, scientific and democratic views in mind. The damage to the country and people is unforgivable.”
“As a native Chinese growing up and finishing college education there, I realized how much lies we were being told about Mao and his communist gangs after reading this book. I agree with one of the readers, it is the best book so far about Mao.”
