Description

Book Synopsis

Raised in a desperately poor village during the height of China''s Cultural Revolution, Li Cunxin''s childhood revolved around the commune, his family and Chairman Mao''s Little Red Book.

Until, that is, Madame Mao''s cultural delegates came in search of young peasants to study ballet at the academy in Beijing and he was thrust into a completely unfamiliar world.

When a trip to Texas as part of a rare cultural exchange opened his eyes to life and love beyond China''s borders, he defected to the United States in an extraordinary and dramatic tale of Cold War intrigue.

Told in his own distinctive voice, this is Li''s inspirational story of how he came to be Mao''s last dancer, and one of the world''s greatest ballet dancers.



Trade Review
'An inspiring true story of courage and determination' - Adeline Yen Mah, author of 'Falling Leaves' 'His vivid descriptions of life at home, surviving on family love and dried yams, and of the harsh regime, make riveting reading' Guardian 'Mao's Last Dancer is a modern fairy-tale. Li Cunxin's story is a breathtaking indictment of brute Communism, told with great honesty' - Kate Adie 'Appalling, brave and funny ... you cannot do better than to read this book' Mail on Sunday

Maos Last Dancer

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    A Paperback / softback by Li Cunxin

    £10.44

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    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Tue 25 Aug 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
      Published 2 April 2009
      ISBN-13 9780141040226
      978-0141040226
      ISBN-10 014104022X
      Also in:
      Entertainment Ballet Children & Teen Fiction

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Raised in a desperately poor village during the height of China''s Cultural Revolution, Li Cunxin''s childhood revolved around the commune, his family and Chairman Mao''s Little Red Book.

      Until, that is, Madame Mao''s cultural delegates came in search of young peasants to study ballet at the academy in Beijing and he was thrust into a completely unfamiliar world.

      When a trip to Texas as part of a rare cultural exchange opened his eyes to life and love beyond China''s borders, he defected to the United States in an extraordinary and dramatic tale of Cold War intrigue.

      Told in his own distinctive voice, this is Li''s inspirational story of how he came to be Mao''s last dancer, and one of the world''s greatest ballet dancers.



      Trade Review
      'An inspiring true story of courage and determination' - Adeline Yen Mah, author of 'Falling Leaves' 'His vivid descriptions of life at home, surviving on family love and dried yams, and of the harsh regime, make riveting reading' Guardian 'Mao's Last Dancer is a modern fairy-tale. Li Cunxin's story is a breathtaking indictment of brute Communism, told with great honesty' - Kate Adie 'Appalling, brave and funny ... you cannot do better than to read this book' Mail on Sunday

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