[Review] Mao's Last Dancer
Oct 30, 2017 19:35:52 GMT 10
Post by SharksFan99 on Oct 30, 2017 19:35:52 GMT 10
“Mao’s Last Dancer”, the autobiography memoir of Chinese-Australian Li Cunxin, is a book which follows the life of a Chinese peasant boy who strives to pursue a career in ballet and lead a successful life. These are the reasons in which I believe “Mao’s Last Dancer” is an excellent and admirable book.
“Mao’s Last Dancer” is outstandingly detailed and comprehensive. The book succeeds in covering the themes of poverty, defection, propaganda and the difficulties endured under the leadership of the communist government. Cunxin’s personal hardship and beliefs are well documented in the critically-acclaimed autobiography and as such, it resonates with readers excellently. Quotes such as “I thought of her wrinkled face and the sorrow she would feel if she never saw me again” capitalize on the readers emotions and encourages them to invest their spare time into the book. I, particularly, felt drawn to the book and the interesting and engaging story really intrigued me.
On that note, the autobiography has a superb and all-inclusive storyline, which excellently gives an insight into the huge challenges and personal difficulties faced by families in poverty in China during the 1960’s & 1970’s. As mentioned above, the story focuses on the life of Li Cunxin, a Chinese peasant boy born on the 26th January 1961. He, his six brothers and his niang and dia lived in a small rural commune and endured several huge challenges, such as providing an income and an adequate supply of food. The effects and consequences of living in poverty are prevalent throughout the entire story and greatly affect the chances of Li Cunxin leading a successful career in ballet. I firmly believe the theme of poverty is excellently portrayed in the autobiography and author, Li Cunxin, does an outstanding effort in portraying the hardship he had to endure as a child.
The persons within the autobiography are intriguing. As a reader, you can instantly feel a connection with the main protagonist and his family & friends, which I believe is essential in writing an excellent story. Fortunately, the autobiography succeeds with this and you can feel the hardship and emotions endured by the persons within the autobiography, as if you are also a part of the story. Most importantly, the persons do not feel one-dimensional and Li Cunxin exceptionally portrays the depth of each individual. Personally, I believe that the individuals within the autobiography are excellently portrayed and the portrayal of the individuals is one of the book’s strengths.
In summary, “Mao’s Last Dancer” is an absolutely superb and admirationial autobiography. The story excellently succeeds in providing an insight into the life of Chinese peasant boy, Li Cunxin, who wants to leave the “shackles” of his poor, uninspiring life and become an exceptional ballet dancer. The emotive language is beautifully written and leaves readers wanting to read more. I highly recommend people read “Mao’s Last Dancer”, as it simply is an absolutely outstanding book.
Verdict: 8/10
I made that review when I was in Year 10, however my opinion on the novel hasn't changed at all, so I thought I would just share it.
“Mao’s Last Dancer” is outstandingly detailed and comprehensive. The book succeeds in covering the themes of poverty, defection, propaganda and the difficulties endured under the leadership of the communist government. Cunxin’s personal hardship and beliefs are well documented in the critically-acclaimed autobiography and as such, it resonates with readers excellently. Quotes such as “I thought of her wrinkled face and the sorrow she would feel if she never saw me again” capitalize on the readers emotions and encourages them to invest their spare time into the book. I, particularly, felt drawn to the book and the interesting and engaging story really intrigued me.
On that note, the autobiography has a superb and all-inclusive storyline, which excellently gives an insight into the huge challenges and personal difficulties faced by families in poverty in China during the 1960’s & 1970’s. As mentioned above, the story focuses on the life of Li Cunxin, a Chinese peasant boy born on the 26th January 1961. He, his six brothers and his niang and dia lived in a small rural commune and endured several huge challenges, such as providing an income and an adequate supply of food. The effects and consequences of living in poverty are prevalent throughout the entire story and greatly affect the chances of Li Cunxin leading a successful career in ballet. I firmly believe the theme of poverty is excellently portrayed in the autobiography and author, Li Cunxin, does an outstanding effort in portraying the hardship he had to endure as a child.
The persons within the autobiography are intriguing. As a reader, you can instantly feel a connection with the main protagonist and his family & friends, which I believe is essential in writing an excellent story. Fortunately, the autobiography succeeds with this and you can feel the hardship and emotions endured by the persons within the autobiography, as if you are also a part of the story. Most importantly, the persons do not feel one-dimensional and Li Cunxin exceptionally portrays the depth of each individual. Personally, I believe that the individuals within the autobiography are excellently portrayed and the portrayal of the individuals is one of the book’s strengths.
In summary, “Mao’s Last Dancer” is an absolutely superb and admirationial autobiography. The story excellently succeeds in providing an insight into the life of Chinese peasant boy, Li Cunxin, who wants to leave the “shackles” of his poor, uninspiring life and become an exceptional ballet dancer. The emotive language is beautifully written and leaves readers wanting to read more. I highly recommend people read “Mao’s Last Dancer”, as it simply is an absolutely outstanding book.
Verdict: 8/10
I made that review when I was in Year 10, however my opinion on the novel hasn't changed at all, so I thought I would just share it.
EyewitnessTV likes this