Mao's Last Dancer

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Mao's Last Dancer

By: Li Cunxin

Narrated by: Paul English

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About this listen

This is the true story of how one moment in time, by the thinnest thread of a chance, changed the course of a small boy's life in ways that are beyond description. One day he would dance with some of the greatest ballet companies of the world. One day he would be a friend to a president and first lady, movie stars, and the most influential people in America. One day he would become a star: Mao's last dancer, and the darling of the West. Here is Li Cunxin's own story, a beautiful, rich account of an inspirational life, told with honesty, dignity, and pride.©2003 Li Cunxin (P)2004 Bolinda Publishing Pyt Ltd by arrangement with Penguin Group (Australia)

Entertainment & Celebrities

Entertainment & Performing Arts

Celebrity

Inspiring

Imperial Japan

China

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Critic reviews

"[A] heartening rags-to-riches story" ( Publishers Weekly)
"[Paul English] exercises such an intense and masterful concentration on the text that the listener's interest never flags....He imbues the narrative with ingenuousness and enthusiasm, which endearingly befit the image Li is attempting to present of himself. The result is an audiobook that is superior to its source." ( AudioFile)

Most relevant

Mao’s Last Dancer was published in 2003 and is an astonishing story that combines many absorbing elements - I thoroughly enjoyed it. A movie was made from the book in 2009.

Li Cunxin was the 6th son in a poor family in rural China. He overcomes the challenges of life under Mao's communism, culture shock in America and the incredible demands of the ballet world - to become an award winning dancer. Inspiring and thought provoking stuff.

I am removing half a star from my overall grade because of the simple, plodding writing style - and cool detachment - that might take some of the joy out of the story for some. But it is well-narrated and I suspect this helps. I am also removing another half star because I sense that much has been withheld from this memoir. This isn't a "warts and all" account, it feels diplomatic and censored. I don't blame Li Cunxin as his own family, whole extended family, teachers and at least 3 countries will be reading it [China, America and Australia].

Despite it's flaws, I recommend this story for anyone with even the least interest in ballet, China, politics, romance, travel - or human life in general.

Despite flaws I recommend this story to anyone