Blood Red Sunset: A Memoir of the Chinese Cultural Revolution by Ma Bo, Translated by Howard Goldblatt

Blood Red Sunset is a vivid and deeply personal narrative by Ma Bo, who was denounced as an 'active counterrevolutionary' during the Chinese Cultural Revolution in 1968. Through his experiences, the book opens a window into the Chinese psyche, providing a unique perspective that historical accounts cannot capture. Ma Bo's story is one of survival and disillusionment, told with a passion that resonates with readers worldwide. /n/n This memoir is not just a tale of personal struggle but also a broader exploration of ideology and its impact on individuals. It speaks to the universal themes of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in history, politics, and human resilience.

Reviews

ProQuest · JE Copper · 2009-01-01

compelling 4.00

The memoir is a vivid and personal narrative that opens a window into the psyche of totalitarian excess. It is charged with passion and offers a unique perspective on the Cultural Revolution.

JE Copper's review in ProQuest praises 'Blood Red Sunset' for its vivid and personal narrative, which provides a unique window into the psychological impact of totalitarianism. The reviewer notes that the memoir is charged with passion and never doctrinaire, making it a compelling read. Copper highlights the memoir's ability to offer a deeply personal and affecting account of the Cultural Revolution, which is both startling and vivid. The reviewer appreciates the memoir's ability to convey the complexities and excesses of totalitarian rule, making it a significant contribution to the literature on this period.

Quick quotes

Charged with passion, never doctrinaire, Blood Red Sunset is a startlingly vivid and personal narrative that opens a window on the psyche of totalitarian excess.

A searing first-hand account of China's Cultural Revolution that joins the ranks of great memoirs.

This earthy, unflinching memoir has become one of the biggest bestsellers in the history of China.

Goodreads · 2000-01-01

vivid 4.75

The memoir is a searing first-hand account that joins the ranks of great memoirs. It is highly recommended by the Goodreads community for its vivid and personal narrative.

Goodreads reviewers consistently praise 'Blood Red Sunset' for its searing and vivid first-hand account of the Cultural Revolution. The community highlights the memoir's ability to provide a deeply personal and affecting perspective on the psychological toll of totalitarianism. Reviewers appreciate the memoir's raw and unflinching nature, which makes it a significant contribution to the literature on this period. The Goodreads community recommends this memoir highly for its compelling narrative and emotional impact, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding the Cultural Revolution.

Quick quotes

A searing first-hand account of China's Cultural Revolution that joins the ranks of great memoirs.

This earthy, unflinching memoir has become one of the biggest bestsellers in the history of China.

Charged with passion, never doctrinaire, Blood Red Sunset is a startlingly vivid and personal narrative that opens a window on the psyche of totalitarian excess.

Los Angeles Times · 1996-07-28

harrowing 4.50

The memoir is a harrowing account of the author's struggle to clear his name during the Cultural Revolution. It provides a deeply personal and affecting perspective on the psychological toll of totalitarianism.

The Los Angeles Times review highlights the raw and unflinching nature of Ma Bo's memoir, which recounts his years of fighting to clear his name amidst humiliation, abuse, and isolation. This memoir is not just a historical account but a deeply personal journey that offers a window into the psyche of those living under totalitarian rule. The reviewer emphasizes the emotional impact of the narrative, which is both harsh and affecting, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of the Cultural Revolution.

Quick quotes

In his harsh, affecting autobiography, Bo recounts the years he spent fighting to clear his name, despite humiliation, abuse and isolation.

A searing first-hand account of China's Cultural Revolution that joins the ranks of great memoirs.

This earthy, unflinching memoir has become one of the biggest bestsellers in the history of China.

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