A review by jenok
Red Azalea: Life and Love in China by Anchee Min

5.0

An incredible memoir detailing the author's personal experience of the Chinese cultural Revolution. The story is incredible in the literal sense - it strains belief. I found I kept lapsing into the sense that I was reading a novel rather than something autobiographical. The writing is absolutely gorgeous, as well as surprisingly erotic in parts. Her relationship with Yan may just have become my favourite literary love story. The whole book is shot through with loneliness, passion and resolve. I feel it will stay with me for a long time.