Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #65401 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 819 pages

Customer Reviews

Educational and moving. A very readable book.
Not one for historical books, especially one on Chinese politics, I probably would never have bought this book. However, my husband read it and I picked it up - and I am so glad I did! I learnt so much about communist China through the life of Aiping Mu. How easily people in power can completely ruin the lives of others. What a life they endured - grandparents on the run; teenagers living in caves, and the destruction of whole families by using physical and mental torture. This book made me realise how lucky I am. Everyone (especially schoolchildren) should read it. Its long, but its worth it.

A must for all those interested in personal history of China
I have read quite a few of the flurry of biographies written by Chinese women publised in the last 10 years or so. While recognising that all the stories are their own it is easy to pick the common thread amongst them. They have all left me wanting to know more about China through the 20th Century from different perspectives. Vermilion Gate certainly goes a long way to satisfying my thirst for the background to the China from the begining of the 20th century. It is a remarkable historical book. The personal history of Aping Mu and her family leaves one full of emotion and feeling so humble. Humanity in all it's forms) never seizes to amaze.

Savour It!
If you loved wild swans then you will also love vermilion gate.
It is one of those can't put it down books! I can't do justice to aiping mu here, but trust me you will savour the time you spend reading it and be disappointed when it is over.