Mao

Mao

The Unknown Story

by Jung Chang, Jon Halliday, Jon Halliday

Part of N.R.F. biographies

3.3(3)
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About
A biography of of Mao Zedong taken from the perspective of his relationship to women. The normal biographical elements make up the majority of the text but when there is an interesting aspect regarding Mao's attitude toward women, Jung Chang (a woman) goes for it. For example... any normal biography of Mao, would take account of the movements of Mao's army as he took control of China but it is interesting that his army camped outside the town where his wife and son lived (had been abandoned, frankly) and he made no effort whatsoever to meet them. Little things like that give the reader insight into the character of Mao... along with his mass murders, of course.

Discussion questions for Mao

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  1. 1

    How does Jung Chang and Jon Halliday's decision to specifically examine Mao through the lens of his relationships with women change or deepen your understanding of his character, beyond what a traditional political biography might offer?

  2. 2

    The book highlights instances like Mao's army camping near his abandoned wife and son, yet he made no effort to meet them. What do these seemingly "small" personal details reveal about Mao's priorities, his capacity for empathy, and his overall character?

  3. 3

    Do you believe there is a direct connection between Mao's personal ruthlessness or detachment in his private life and his capacity for political brutality and mass murder? How does the book argue for or against this link?

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