In search of a good book.

It’s been a while since I have posted and with good reason. I simply have not been able to find a good book! I have started and stopped reading 3 different books in the past month or so, so I shall post about them, in the hopes that someone can 1) either convince me to keep reading, or 2) send me a good book recommendation.

First up, Becoming Madame Mao, by Anchee Min, started out with a bang. The story of Jiang Qing, aka Lan Ping, aka Madame Mao is written in the first person and begins with the an account of her attempted foot binding by her mother. The story flip flops between the present and the future Madame Mao as she began her career as a stage actress before becoming a member of the Communist party and her role in the Cultural Revolution.

I read Wild Swans a few years ago, and because I learned very little about Communist China in school, I was absolutely fascinated by Chairman and Madame Mao, which was why I picked up this book. However, I quickly became disappointed in this book. I was searching for insights into an incredibly manipulative and duplicitous woman who ordered the death and torture of many, many people who had “wronged” her in her previous lives.

However, what I found was an incredibly boring, superficial and hasty rendering of this character. I understand that Anchee Min, herself, lived through the Cultural Revolution, however, most of the Western World did not and I found the cryptic references to important events and characters in Chinese history completely confusing. I had to head to the internet several times to look up the names or people the author was writing about.

I never made it past 100 pages ….

Second to Bat …

I started The Voyage Home, by Jane Rodgers, because I really enjoyed Mr. Wroe’s Virgins. However, this book was DULLLLLLL. I would try to explain it, but I only got through 22 pages. Something about a boat ride and Africa?

Third up …. I, Elizabeth, by Rosalind Miles. Now, I have explained before that I’m somewhat obsessed with Tudor history and this piece of historical fiction about Queen Elizabeth’s rise to the throne was QUITE good. However, I left it out in the sun, the binding melted and all the pages started falling out. I read up to her coronation and would have kept reading if I could. I might possibly buy another copy, but I have vowed only to purchase used books in the future. If anyone has a copy, can we swap for another book?

Because I’ve been so unlucky in the reading department … has anyone read any fantastic books they can recommend?