Biography and Love

1. BIOGRAPHY
Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China (Jung Chang)
Part biography and part autobiography, this is the story of the writer’s (Jung Chang) Grandmother, Mother and herself, set just before, during and after Mao’s Communist reign of China. I love this book and have ready it many times. It was one of the first books to come out of Communist China that gives a true account of what happened there during this tumultuous, cruel period – rather than just the Chinese’ government’s propaganda that is. In fact, I think this book is still banned in China. It gives you insight into the Chinese political and cultural scene pre: Mao (including the brutal Japanese occupation and Kuomintang Government) which led to the birth and rise to power of Mao’s government and extreme form of Communism – particularly his Cultural Revolution. The Grandmother’s story is also amazing to read as she was a concubine for a Chinese Warlord.

2. LOVE
Gone With the Wind (Margaret Mitchell)
Scarlett O’Hara & Rhett Butler are two of my favourite characters – both very stubborn and they won’t admit they love each other until it is too late. She keeps marrying other blokes for their money instead of being with sexy scoundrel Rhett and he keeps "playing the field" (with prostitutes mainly) instead of admitting his undying love for Scarlett. But circumstances keep bringing them together and their chemistry is electric. Sounds corny but this is not Mills & Boon twaddle I promise! They get through some heavy life experiences together due to the chaotic situation of the American Civil War and do get it together at one point, but it definitely isn’t a happily ever after ending for these two, hence the infamous line “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn”. Even though this a great romance, the book is about so much more and is a brilliant read.