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.

I really loved this book from start to finish ❤️
It immediately drew me in with a beautiful description of a traditional Chinese wedding as a prolouge. Throughout the book the author describes several stages of his life starting as a poverty stricken child living in a communist china, to the stroke of luck when the teacher points him out to selectors for Madame Mao's ballet academy, Cunxin works incredibly hard to ensure he gets selected and remains in the ballet. Eventually he visits America and ends up living there through more of life's twists and turns. The book also included several traditional Chinese stories told to him over the years which I found to be a lovely addition.

Passed on to a fellow bookcrosser in wishlist tag

Received as part of a tag game .... Along with so many other little goodies to celebrate Valentine's day. Thank you so much and I can't wait to enjoy this book. 🥰❤️