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  • Mao's Last Dancer

  • By: Li Cunxin
  • Narrated by: Paul English
  • Length: 15 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (64 ratings)

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Mao's Last Dancer

By: Li Cunxin
Narrated by: Paul English
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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)
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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)

What listeners say about Mao's Last Dancer

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Despite flaws I recommend this story to anyone

Mao’s Last Dancer was published in 2003 and is an astonishing story that combines many absorbing elements - I thoroughly enjoyed it. A movie was made from the book in 2009.

Li Cunxin was the 6th son in a poor family in rural China. He overcomes the challenges of life under Mao's communism, culture shock in America and the incredible demands of the ballet world - to become an award winning dancer. Inspiring and thought provoking stuff.

I am removing half a star from my overall grade because of the simple, plodding writing style - and cool detachment - that might take some of the joy out of the story for some. But it is well-narrated and I suspect this helps. I am also removing another half star because I sense that much has been withheld from this memoir. This isn't a "warts and all" account, it feels diplomatic and censored. I don't blame Li Cunxin as his own family, whole extended family, teachers and at least 3 countries will be reading it [China, America and Australia].

Despite it's flaws, I recommend this story for anyone with even the least interest in ballet, China, politics, romance, travel - or human life in general.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best book I’ve listen to in ages!!!!

I am an audible addict. But I can honestly say that out of the hundreds of books I’ve listen to, this one has to be one of my all time favourites! It made me laugh and cry. It’s heart warming, and you really start to love Li Cunxin and his family. The only down side was the narrators weak Chinese pronunciation. But other then that this is a fantastic listen!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible

What a fabulous memoir, the trials and tribulations of Chinese life and the positivity of Lin Cunxin was inspiring.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An exquisite autobiography

Beautifully written autobiography giving insight in to China and her political evolution during the latter part of the 20th century as well as the exhaustive effort to become a world class ballet dancer. Bravo

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great read!

I don't find many books readable so I'm glad I found this one. It is an entertaining and educational read from beginning to end and I especially enjoyed the first half about the childhood and youth in China. I warmly recommend everyone to read Mao's last dancer.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

How inspirational and true the story was ❤

it was a amazing in every way. I am a male ballet dancer my self and this was such a good inspiration for me and my future. words really can't explain how good it really is. I suggest it to everyone!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding book

This book will stay with me forever. Beautifully written and beautifully narrated. I shall be recommending it to all my friends

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Mao’s last dancer

What a beautiful well written and moving story- the storyteller captured the humility and strength of the dancer perfectly

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Inspirational but a bit rosy glasses

The narration is very engaging. It’s a slow start.
The hard work of the protagonist is commendable. A bit too much rosy glasses about the US. It was enjoyable

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