To the Edge of the Sky by Anhua Gao

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About Anhua Gao

Biography

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To the Edge of the Sky

» Anhua Gao

Penguin
Paperback : 07 Jun 2001

£8.99

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Synopsis

Anhua Gao's parents were hailed as revolutionary martyrs by Mao Tse-Tung. In her early years she knew love and support and grew up in a privileged world. But when they tragically both died, leaving her and her siblings orphans, all they were left with was their parents' fading reputation to guide them through the unimaginable horrors of twentieth century China.

The fabric of her family life torn apart by the catastrophic whims of the state, Anhua was truly alone - something she only realized fully when she was denounced to the authorities by her own sister. She was the victim of private cruelty at the hands of her brutal husband and suffered public humiliation when the security police accused her of being an enemy agent because she wrote and spoke English. She was eventually thrown into jail where she experienced appalling deprivations and bore witness to hideous torture.

This is the story of how Anhua first struggled with and then against the ideological machine of Red China. It is a story of pain and horror, turmoil and tragedy. But most of all it is the story of a woman who found courage, hope and humour, and who, against unbelievable odds, survived.

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Reviews

Customer Review: 24 April 2006

Reviewer: Steven Lord

Heartaching, Breathtaking,Horrifying, but at the same time Uplifting and Spriritually fulfilling. Anhua Gao takes us on a journey so far removed from our own experience and comprehension that the reader has to close the book on many occasions simply to allow a period of recovery. It is an emotionally draining experience but you know your suffering is little compared to the horrors 'ANNIE' has witnessed and been subjected too. She is the very phoenix that rose from the ashes and I truly hope that now she will be able to fly unfettered and free as a bird. This book soars in every respect - read it and be prepared to be humbled.

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