Mao's Last Dancer

By: Li Cunxin

Narrated by: Paul English

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)

Li Cuaxhin's story made my heart do an Arabesque!

Although my ballet knowledge consists of just 2 years in elementary school to please my mother and seeing the Nutcracker once by a Professional Corps and my knowledge of Red China limited this story was enthralling! A wonderful story of love for family and superman dedication to dance. I had never heard of Li Cuaxin and I regret not having seen him dance. I have since pulled up some YouTube videos of him dancing. Wowed by his wonderful performances! And growing up a peasant under Mao- difficult to imagine. I loved his family stories, especially his Nana who hobbled around on her crippled bound feet and took the blame for his youthful catastrophe and his love and respect for his parents and brothers. The narrator was very good and professional but as other reviewers have noted his accent throws off the narrative for me a little. Otherwise a great great book! I am going to look for the movie on Netflix or Hulu!

wonderful

loved every word, great story and i can recommend to anyone. well worth the time

Fabulous book

This was a really fabulous book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd totally recommend it to anyone.

This book is in my top 2 most favorite!

I found this book exception in content of story, performance and overall entertainment!!! I've recommended friends they absolutely will not be disappointed. It's a must get!!

PERFECT!!! Chinese Communism ABSOLUTELY SUCKS!!!

This story reminded me of just why it’s SO UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME to be out of China and in THE UNITED FREAKING AWESOME STATES OF FREAKING AWESOME AMERICA!!!

Chinese communist government regime ABSOLUTELY BLOWS!

Beautiful

Amazing, moving story. Paul English is the perfect reader. Enjoyed every bit of it.

A Life Story Beautifully Told

As a Chinese American born in Taiwan, I can relate to the Chinese custom and tradition in the story. But I was struck by the poverty living in the Communist China in that era.

The story was truly inspirational. It taught us that determination combined with hard work paves the way to greatness. And yet Li's deeply-rooted Chinese family values and love for his family still came through all along. This is the "hero's journey" at its best.

The narration was excellent. At times, I thought there were several people speaking for each role. The British/Australian accent didn't take much time to get used to and the pronunciation of Chinese names were pretty good.

This is among one of the best memoirs I have listened to.

Inspiring story

I loved how the storytelling from his father and his teachers were a part of shaping his core values and inner strength.

I should be an Audible Poster Child

Would you listen to Mao's Last Dancer again? Why?

ABSOLUTELY. I plan on it. I rarely listen to a book twice but this one is a re-listen for sure! I am going to take notes this time.

What other book might you compare Mao's Last Dancer to and why?

The Boys in the Boat. I love factual historic stories. They are both epic

What about Paul English’s performance did you like?

EVERYTHING! He was wonderful. I fell in love with him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely. Only I couldn't take the time. It felt like a dear friend waiting for me when I could get back to it.

Any additional comments?

I love Audible. I am an American living and teaching at a university in Beijing. This story and presentation went right to my heart. I travel a lot and as a result of that and poor internet I have regular questions. It is wonderful to be able to chat with an Audible person. They are always kind, helpful and responsive. If more businesses had such integrity the world would be a better place. Thank you to all of you. I just gave Mao's Last Dancer as a gift to a dear Chinese friend. I plan to give it again and again to others. I am off on another adventure, loaded with more Audible books to keep me company.

Starts strong

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved the book and do recommend it with caveats. The simple straightforward story telling of the child hood years is thoroughly engaging and reminded me vaguely of Angela's Ashes (with a more functional family). Gradually as the author ages the storytelling suffers. Characters flatten as he begins writing about people who are likely to read what he has written. I wonder if he shouldn't have stopped this telling when he was 19 or 20 and left the rest of the story to ripen. But its not hard to get through. You are driven to see it through to the end, to see what happens.

What about Paul English’s performance did you like?

Accents were amazing. Will be looking to see what else he has narrated.