Mao's Last Dancer

By: Li Cunxin

Narrated by: Paul English

Length: 15 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

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)

surprised

such great detail and emotion told in this story. i felt for the main character and all he had to endure.

Best book ever

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It was an enchanting story from beginning to end. I want to see the movie now.

Fascinating

This is the true story of a peasant who became a world class dancer. The descriptions of his childhood in China, growing up just above starvation, through his training and then professional career was amazing. I highly recommend this. Well read.

A Wonderful Listen; A Wonderful Journey to Ballet

Travel to the Secret World of Communist China, and share Li's Journey into Ballet and the Weatern World.

Excellent story and presentation. I learned so much about China

And excellent story and presentation.I learned so much about China. I was so size of that country is and was.

a window into Mao's China

Thank you, Li, for setting down your story for us. With doors and windows to China closed to the west for so long, many of us have wished to understand about the changes which took place for people in China. I appreciate your honesty, and how your story is presented. This will become a classic story, suitable for all ages. Your children, family, and each of those who assisted throughout your life can be proud of this wonderful recounting. I, too, would enjoy the tale narrated by an oriental reader, hopefully, someday soon that will also be available.

Importance of Unconditional Family Love

When so many of us in America were told to "clean up your plate -- remember the starving children in China" there really were starving children in China! But Li Cunxin's parents had a game they played, passing choice tidbits of food back and forth, deferring to one another, pressing the richest bits on the other one. Because they had love and because they hadn't enough to eat! This boy's parents worked hard physically and hardly had the calories. But by gosh they had love. I am so glad I listened to this book! It is a rich treat all the way through. Hard work, love, gratitude. Oh, yeah, and brains, determination. Paul English reads very well. He seems to come near weeping in some passages. Get the book!

best book ever

I have read true stories of all kinds. This is by far, one of the best books I've ever read. captured and held my attention every word, the characters are so well described the stories are emotional and riveting. Bravo to this incredible man, his wonderful family, beautiful story, and wonderful narration too. The best part was the ending.

Delightful

This was a very enjoyable and enlightening book. I especially liked his younger years and the relationships with his schoolmates. His dedication to his studies, dance, friends and family is to be admired.

Inspiration from Rags to Riches

The author reminded us how much we, Americans, take our freedom and living standards for granted. Imagine all you can eat are dry yams and that your future is to sweat or freeze in the fields. Imagine the government won't listen to you and keep you poor. You have no rights and no voice. Worst of all, Mao's government would lie to you thinking you are rich and the Western lifestyle is evil. The author was a symbol of China's transition to Western influence. As his living standards improved so did his family's. He may have been away, but not his spirit. Who could blame him for not going back to China's haunting memories of poverty. What he achieved the average American ballet student can only dream of, like being a principal dancer, meeting celebrities and Vice President Bush. This biography was so inspiring, sacrifice, perseverance, focus, risk and redemption. I could not stop listening.