Born into a devoutly Maoist family in 1950s Shanghai & forced to work on a communal farm from the age of seventeen Anchee Min found herself in an alienating & hostile political climate where her only friendships were perilous & intense. Both candid & touching this compelling memoir documents her isolation & illicit love against the backdrop of China's Cultural Revolution. From her coming of age in the Red Guard to her recruitment into Madame Mao's burgeoning industry of propaganda movies Red Azalea explores the secret sensuality of a repressive society with elegance & honesty.