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Alex Choo This book is banned in cathay, but I recall you lot could purchase information technology in Hongkong or Taiwan.

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 · two,205 ratings  · 188 reviews
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Dmitri
Mao's private doctor wrote and published this book in 1994 earlier his decease in 1995. Information technology almost his experiences with one of the most important figures in modern globe history. All readers should question if it is accurate and unbiased. I did as well. My answer is that I just don't know. However Li was certainly Mao'southward doctor during the years presented (1954-1976), and on a high level of the inner circle. His photos and intimate experiences convey footling dubiety (at least to me) of his shut admission to Mao's private doctor wrote and published this book in 1994 earlier his death in 1995. It about his experiences with 1 of the most important figures in modern earth history. All readers should question if information technology is accurate and unbiased. I did as well. My respond is that I but don't know. However Li was certainly Mao'southward md during the years presented (1954-1976), and on a high level of the inner circle. His photos and intimate experiences convey lilliputian dubiety (at least to me) of his close admission to Mao. Whatever Li'southward personal or political motives were to write this book are across my power to discern.

Born in Beijing 1919, Dr. Li was with Mao for over 22 years. They shared meals and details of their personal lives. Information technology's probably one of the closest pictures of the Chairman you lot can get without having been there yourself. Undoubtedly there are other accounts written in Chinese I cannot access. For Mao anecdotes, conversations, travel accommodations, sexual habits and hygiene, addictions to cigarettes and sleeping pills information technology is a convincing principal source. Mao was a insubordinate and Li was a true believer from initial employment with Mao until his gradual disillusionment. Li trained in Commonwealth of australia and later emigrated to the USA.

Although Mao espoused Chinese traditional medicine he chose western trained doctors for his personal care. Li produced a articulate portrait of his sometime employer from a few years after Mao'southward rise until his death. If you are interested in Mao as a human being you cannot forego reading this. Information technology is heady equally well as terrifying. From Mao'south disastrous economical Groovy Leap Forward in agronomics and industry ('58-62) to his manipulation of 4th wife Jiang Qing to attack foes during the Cultural Revolution ('66-76), this is strong material. Yous volition likewise acquire how Mao liked his food cooked (spicy, Hunan style...mm mm good).

And then why did Li write this book? It is said that Mao's wife Jiang accused Li of poisoning her in 1968, a scary predicament. It is known Li left for the USA in 1979 before long after Mao died. He helped to preserve Mao'due south body which is yet displayed in a mausoleum on Tiananmen Square. Li was an early convert to communism but later changed his mind based on the events around him. He came to be frightened past his proximity to Mao's absolute ability and ruthlessness and burned his notebooks during the later years. It's an important account that will go along to be referenced past authors in the future as it has been in the by.

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Veeral
Oct 26, 2012 rated it it was ok

Li Zhisui served as a personal dr. to Mao Zedong for twenty-ii years. And yet he doesn't have much to say in his 700-odd page memoir that could exist considered worthwhile.

Zhisui in fact warns the reader in the introduction about his political naivety, so in that location'southward that. And information technology also doesn't help that he wrote this memoir entirely by recollecting the incidents from retentiveness.

Zhisui actually comes-off as a reluctant memoirist, which I consider unforgivably oxymoronic. For instance, he finds sex to


Li Zhisui served as a personal dr. to Mao Zedong for twenty-two years. And yet he doesn't have much to say in his 700-odd page memoir that could be considered worthwhile.

Zhisui in fact warns the reader in the introduction virtually his political naivety, and then there's that. And it also doesn't help that he wrote this memoir entirely by recollecting the incidents from memory.

Zhisui actually comes-off equally a reluctant memoirist, which I consider unforgivably oxymoronic. For instance, he finds sex to exist a really offensive subject and then, he shies away from information technology as much as he can at every turn. He says that he was never interested in politics, but and then he rants endlessly about the little conflicts perennially happening between Mao'due south bodyguards and nurses. What he should have said – for accuracy's sake - was that he was not interested in state politics. He was all for inconsequential office politics. In other words, he was blah to things that mattered, only not to those that did not, which makes this book as interesting as a 700-page long doctor'southward prescription, where he dedicates more half of the pages to write about men of Mao's inner security circle and their petty politics to earn Mao'south favor, or in most cases, to avoid his wrath.

Though, he begins the kickoff chapter interestingly enough with Mao's death. Zhisui candidly talks about his lack of knowledge about the embalming process, and how, due to that, at one time Mao's face becomes bloated to nearly double its size due to the injection of excessive embalming fluid. At the least, that is one picayune, interesting tidbit you won't find anywhere else except in Zhisui's book.

What piddling I did learn from this book was - that Mao was some sort of "one-half-nudist" (he seldom wore enough clothes), who never done, never brushed his teeth (Zhisui used to remove layers of plaque from his teeth twice a year) or left his bed for a considerable amount of fourth dimension. He also liked to seduce young and innocent girls and knowingly used to infect them with a venereal disease he carried. He only used to take sponge baths, occasionally. Only time he ever got himself immersed fully in h2o was when he decided to swim in a river for hours on stop to show his "manliness" (no wonder the river dolphins went extinct).

But what I consider his biggest error is that he missed a really skilful opportunity to provide us a peek into the listen of i of the worst dictators the world has always seen. You run across, Mao liked Li. And and so he used to talk with Li frequently from midnight till dawn. Simply if Zhisui would have been kind plenty to tell u.s. what actually they talked about. Non in one case does he feels inclined enough to recount whatever of the endless conversations he had had with Mao. He would just say something like, "We talked till dawn and and then I returned to my whatever."

This book should be re-titled "The Petty Internal Politics of Chairman Mao'south Bodyguards".

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Matt
Mar 05, 2008 rated information technology actually liked it
Wow. This man is insane. Forget the failed economic policies. Forget 30 million people killed (some say threescore million and I've even heard 90 million) as a event of his tyranny. Forget the hush-hush city he built. This man'due south individual life is more insane. His insanity seemed quite contagious equally the volume starts out with the author in accuse of preserving the man's corpse with pressure level from other high officials. This was immediately hilarious every bit you read well-nigh Mao'south face falling off and his body beco Wow. This human being is insane. Forget the failed economic policies. Forget 30 million people killed (some say 60 million and I've even heard 90 million) as a result of his tyranny. Forget the underground city he built. This man's individual life is more insane. His insanity seemed quite contagious equally the book starts out with the author in charge of preserving the man'southward corpse with pressure from other high officials. This was immediately hilarious equally you read about Mao's face falling off and his body becoming bloated. Preserving a leader's corpse for further senseless worship is simply the start to the book's hilarity. Don't look whatsoever 20th century Chinese history as the writer in this volume was non in a position to learn near what was going on throughout the country except through Mao who was a horrible source for that sort of information. For example, the author was surprised when Mao told him, "Skilful news, we liberated our brothers in Tibet." This may fall under the category of sick humor if you accept read annihilation well-nigh the brutal Chinese takeover of Tibet. It'south harder to find a volume more than insightful to the potential madness power can create. Likewise, this book satisfies curiousity of those who know of Mao'due south policy and want to know what the hell were officials thinking, or how someone could exist and so heartless too as stupid to implement these plans. The writer exposes the inner politics of Beijing and the political logic of Mao. Last, this book shows how people became so obsessed with this figure. I don't recall in that location is some other book that digs equally deep and exposes so much of a historical figure. Peradventure Mao's rule is less a production of political ideology but more than of Chinese culture. Mao, according to The Private Life, modeled himself after Chinese emperors particularly the nut Qin Shi Huang, who ordered the construction of the commencement of the not bad wall and the terracotta warriors. ...more
Troy Parfitt
Mar 07, 2011 rated information technology really liked it
This is one of the best China books I've read and I've read near l of them. It's long and very involved, simply written in a clear and fluid style. It is, quite merely, fascinating; brimful with interesting episodes and tidbits impossible to find anywhere else. Details nearly Mao'due south illnesses, drug addictions, sexual activity life, and death are particularly salient, while figures and topics you can find in nearly any People's republic of china book (Jiang Qing, Lin Biao, the Cultural Revolution, the Great Spring Forward, etc.) are This is one of the best China books I've read and I've read about 50 of them. It's long and very involved, only written in a clear and fluid style. It is, quite just, fascinating; awash with interesting episodes and tidbits impossible to find anywhere else. Details about Mao'south illnesses, drug addictions, sex activity life, and death are particularly salient, while figures and topics you can find in most any Prc book (Jiang Qing, Lin Biao, the Cultural Revolution, the Great Bound Forwards, etc.) are presented in a whole new lite.

Penned past an erudite and Western-educated human who saw and spoke with the chairman nearly every day he was in power, the Individual Life of Chairman Mao is more engaging than near "standard" Mao biographies, which is, of course, because it is a first-hand, behind-the-scenes account. It may have you a while to become through it, and yous may wish to supplement it with one of those "standard" biographies, but if you've got a bit of mental stamina or consider yourself a serious People's republic of china watcher, this narrative is a must.

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Horace Derwent
The green-dicked Mao...when he died

the only correct thing he'd e'er done in his life was Die

The greenish-dicked Mao...when he died

the only correct thing he'd ever done in his life was DIE

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Dr Zorlak
Nov 27, 2016 rated information technology it was amazing
I "borrowed" this book from a hotel library in Playa del Carmen last summer. I just finished it today. I relished it. I see so many of the behaviors described here reenacted in our electric current cultural wars, peculiarly amidst my liberal brethren. The same obsession with ideological purity, the same appetite for purges, for branding as a "counterrevolutionary" whoever does non toe the line. The word has changed, though, and been substituted by many others. I'll leave it to you, kind reader, to effigy I "borrowed" this book from a hotel library in Playa del Carmen final summer. I only finished information technology today. I relished it. I see and so many of the behaviors described here reenacted in our current cultural wars, especially among my liberal brethren. The aforementioned obsession with ideological purity, the same appetite for purges, for branding as a "counterrevolutionary" whoever does not toe the line. The give-and-take has changed, though, and been substituted by many others. I'll leave it to y'all, kind reader, to figure out which ones I mean.

Mao, like Fidel, like Hitler, similar Franco, like Mussolini, was a big kid coddled by kittenish and frightened masses. And as incompetent, self-indulgent, megalomaniac, and arrogant as the residual of them. Dr Zhisui narrates the gradually unfolding nightmare of a 1984'ish totalitarian dystopia where dissent, in deed, discussion, and thought, was proscribed, and where friendships, casual support, and tenuous social ties were minutely tallied and recorded to better recompense, or punish, members of the party. A scenario of crippling claustrophobia that reached its climax during the hysterical Cultural Revolution.

Lady Macbeth is a nun in a convent compared to the stifling, ambitious, venomous Jiang Qing, a grapheme that volition stay with me against my will, like one of those terrible songs that play in a loop in your encephalon and slowly drive y'all insane.

Next up, Jung Chang's Mao: The Untold Story.

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Erik Graff
Dec 17, 2012 rated information technology liked information technology  · review of another edition
Recommends it for: modern China fans
Recommended to Erik past: no one
This book is flawed in many respects. First, its author is an admitted naif every bit re politics, history, psychology etc. Although he delves into such perspectives, he doesn't get much across the surface. 2d, equally he also admits, his class background was bourgeois, his exposure to the lives of ordinary Chinese only coming late in his career. Third, he merely entered the scene late, after the revolution. 4th, having burned his original notes, his memoir is based on retention.

All of those consideration

This volume is flawed in many respects. First, its author is an admitted naif as re politics, history, psychology etc. Although he delves into such perspectives, he doesn't get much beyond the surface. 2nd, as he besides admits, his class groundwork was bourgeois, his exposure to the lives of ordinary Chinese only coming late in his career. Third, he only entered the scene tardily, afterward the revolution. Fourth, having burned his original notes, his memoir is based on memory.

All of those considerations nonetheless, I found this lengthy account a folio-turner. While only skimming the major events of the flow of the late forties to the mid-seventies, information technology did serve every bit a welcome refresher. The medical details are, of course, invaluable, given the writer's expertise and privileged position. The personal details about the Chinese leadership and the politics of their "court" were intriguing. The whole thing came across, for me at least, as a meditation about how power tin can corrupt.

Although publicity for this book seems to emphasize Mao's sexual practice life, Dr. Li actually doesn't offer whatever purient particular. He found it more offensive than interesting.

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Sheng Peng
Aug 23, 2015 rated information technology it was amazing
Damn It Feels Expert To Be A Dictator!

I liked House of Cards, but I beloved this volume! Scenic power struggles filled to the brim.

It would not be a cake walk for a non-Chinese to fully appreciate this book, but it should definitely exist no harder to read than the Lord of the Rings. Only the traitors more traitorous and monsters more monstrous. And upon finishing this book, the reader would finally truly fully understand why the Ring, or Power in this book, is and then PRECIOUS.

It's like shooting fish in a barrel to take the mora

Damn It Feels Good To Be A Dictator!

I liked House of Cards, but I love this book! Scenic power struggles filled to the brim.

Information technology would not be a cake walk for a not-Chinese to fully capeesh this book, but it should definitely exist no harder to read than the Lord of the Rings. Only the traitors more than traitorous and monsters more than monstrous. And upon finishing this book, the reader would finally truly fully understand why the Ring, or Ability in this book, is then PRECIOUS.

It's easy to take the moral high ground and pass judgement on Mao here, only I think I could easily have done worse had I had held the Ring myself.

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Mary
Aug 07, 2014 rated information technology really liked it
Interesting read - I'd recommend this.
One anecdote that stood out to me is how when Mao traveled by train during the famine, the local governments moved all the crops in the fields and put them near the train tracks so it seemed like they were having a plentiful harvest. In the process, they basically killed the few crops they had left. Overall, pretty crazy reading about how detached from reality he was.
As well, having your personal doctor write a novel about you lot must exist pretty devastating. Defin
Interesting read - I'd recommend this.
I anecdote that stood out to me is how when Mao traveled by railroad train during the famine, the local governments moved all the crops in the fields and put them virtually the railroad train tracks so information technology seemed like they were having a plentiful harvest. In the process, they basically killed the few crops they had left. Overall, pretty crazy reading well-nigh how detached from reality he was.
Also, having your personal doctor write a novel most you must be pretty devastating. Definitely a few TMI moments hither.
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Joselito Honestly and Brilliantly
If Mao were still live, this book would have cost the author his life. But Mao died in 1976, this book was published in 1994, and the author himself died a year later on.

During Mao's reign an estimated 50 one thousand thousand Chinese perished from persecution, hunger and disease. He was a bad leader in that sense, simply is all the same revered in China (at least officially) for he is considered the founding father of modern Mainland china, no matter how much death and suffering he had acquired to his own people.

The author was G

If Mao were notwithstanding alive, this book would have cost the author his life. Simply Mao died in 1976, this book was published in 1994, and the author himself died a year later.

During Mao's reign an estimated 50 million Chinese perished from persecution, hunger and disease. He was a bad leader in that sense, just is all the same revered in China (at least officially) for he is considered the founding father of mod China, no matter how much expiry and suffering he had caused to his own people.

The writer was Mao'south personal physician for 22 years. This is a tell-all memoir of his life every bit such and here he revealed all the vileness of the Chairman, his lust for power, his paranoia, lack of empathy and his general wicked nature. Indeed, Mao's only virtue, if one may consider information technology as a virtue, was his ability to acquire and keep power. That was his "greatness." All the rest belongs to the sewer.

One can indeed already go a hint of what kind of person he was by the fact that his very own personal physician, who enjoyed his favour for man-years, and who was bound by secrecy nether the doctor-patient privilege, would write this 600-plus folio exposition of things Mao had kept top secret during his lifetime. Things like that he never, EVER, took a bath; that his genitals were never done; that he never brushed his rotting teeth; and that he was so sexually promiscuous, with preference over young handsome men and women, that he would take them all to bed simultaneously in an orgy.

It was a life well-alive, by the standards of dictators.

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Louise
This dr. could have had a comfy and fulfilling life but chose to join the spirit of the new China. He, like so many idealistic youth, went dorsum to China (as some went to Russia after its revolution) to join the "new society" but to be cached in a earth created past the revolutionaries in whom they had put their trust.

Dr. Li's suffering was made meaningful in his writing this book. This may be the earth's start up close portrait of a national dictator/cult leader. Some of the things that

This doctor could accept had a comfy and fulfilling life just chose to join the spirit of the new China. He, like and then many idealistic youth, went dorsum to China (as some went to Russian federation after its revolution) to join the "new society" only to be cached in a earth created past the revolutionaries in whom they had put their trust.

Dr. Li's suffering was made meaningful in his writing this volume. This may be the world'south starting time up close portrait of a national dictator/cult leader. Some of the things that were most striking to me are:

· First, when Dr. Li accompanies Mao to his hometown, Mao tells him how his male parent, a minor but comfortable landowner, beat him and his brothers so badly that he would run away. Recently I had read how Fidel Castro, was humiliated by living in the workers' homes on the property where his father lived in the "large house" with his legal wife and family. Years ago I had read of Stalin's abuse at the manus of his stepfather. These bright, talented and unwanted sons turned their acrimony, resentment and hostility on millions of victims.

· Second is that revolutionary warriors had no time for education and their resentment for those that had it ran deep. The facts of the Nifty Jump Frontward imply ignorance, just Dr. Li defines the know-it-all way it got started, grew, got implemented and institutionalized. With science meaningless, Mao's medical treatment was a political decision, and the md knew he would suffer when death eventually came.

· Third is the no-win situation everyone was in. The people setting the dynamics had not just the teaching of third graders, they had the emotional maturity of them besides. Slights and unwanted facts create atmosphere tantrums and grudges lethal to the inhabitants of Zhongnanhai and disastrous for China.

· Quaternary, was how Dr. Li was expected to know about everything from water quality, to the poisons in nutrient to dentistry and given no opportunities for professional person evolution. When convenient this knowledge was used, merely never applauded.

· It's interesting how Mao maintained power even equally he lost his eyesight and speech. I'd exist interested in some views why/how this happened.

· It's amazing that this book is free of acrimony and sensationalism. For all his troubles Dr. Li was banished to the countryside iii times and oftentimes intentionally separated from his family.

It must have been both painful and cathartic to write this book. I'thou curious how his sons got to the US.

This is a must read for anyone interested in 20th century China.

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Peter Mitchelmore
As it was written by an insider, it is the ideal window into Mao's life and personality. While many deride him every bit the worst dictator ever, virtually in China view him as the heroic founder of their nation.

While he outwitted both Nationalist leader Jiang Kaishek during the Chinese Civil War, and tricked General MacArthur during the Korean War, he also presided over the Not bad Leap Frontwards and promoted a personality cult which started the Cultural Revolution. He started that because he was in a bad moo

As it was written past an insider, it is the ideal window into Mao's life and personality. While many deride him as the worst dictator e'er, most in Mainland china view him as the heroic founder of their nation.

While he outwitted both Nationalist leader Jiang Kaishek during the Chinese Civil War, and tricked General MacArthur during the Korean State of war, he also presided over the Keen Spring Forwards and promoted a personality cult which started the Cultural Revolution. He started that because he was in a bad mood with the balance of the politburo, therefore it unleashed anarchy during which many literally tore each other into pieces. Furthermore, there is a chapter in my book virtually the effect that information technology still has on the general population of China.

How could ane leader have instituted such policies, which were either clever or disastrous? What was he doing both openly and behind airtight doors which made him call back of such things?
The Private Life of Chairman Mao describes in fine item the private life of someone who was previously a complete mystery. My view of him has since been improve balanced.

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Arun  Mahalingam
As the recommendation from jayalalitha (erstwhile CM of TN,Bharat) to her doctor, i came to know about this book. Almost of the time when i read this book, i tin can correlate the incident to her life also.
Mao is really a giant himself, whose mood can rejig the the vast nation china. Though he fabricated many mistakes, his way of politics - Keep the rest in second rung leader- always go on them in clash amid them cocky- is greatly helped him to sustain the ability for long menses.
Juan
Nov thirteen, 2019 rated it actually liked it
Was very insightful in the elements of power and ego within a leadership group.
Teddee
The nigh memorable part of this biography which I remember to this day are the salacious details of the ballroom dances organized for Mao's benefit with poor innocent country girls, whose parents were merely too happy to make whatsoever contribution they could for the do good of Chairman Mao. Refusing treatment for his VDs, Li (his personal doctor) would have to prescribe antibiotics to all the girls that he slept with. Who would have thought even someone like Chairman Mao? Pretty sure this one wasn The almost memorable role of this biography which I call back to this day are the salacious details of the ballroom dances organized for Mao'southward benefit with poor innocent country girls, whose parents were only too happy to make whatever contribution they could for the benefit of Chairman Mao. Refusing treatment for his VDs, Li (his personal dr.) would accept to prescribe antibiotics to all the girls that he slept with. Who would have idea fifty-fifty someone like Chairman Mao? Pretty sure this ane wasn't in the communist party doctrine anywhere. ...more
Raj Sinha
Aug 17, 2017 rated it really liked it
This is a must-read book for all those who are curious about Mao, China, socialism, communism et al. The myth is revealed in its fullest, nigh shocking particular. The myth about Mao'south greatness and the utopia that has eluded and will go on to elude all those who sincerely believe in the basic tenets of collective governance.

Mao was a monster, a debauch, a hypocrite and filthy even in the literal sense. For example, he never brushed his teeth (which were covered by green and black plaque) and he

This is a must-read volume for all those who are curious about Mao, China, socialism, communism et al. The myth is revealed in its fullest, well-nigh shocking particular. The myth about Mao'south greatness and the utopia that has eluded and will continue to elude all those who sincerely believe in the bones tenets of collective governance.

Mao was a monster, a debauch, a hypocrite and filthy even in the literal sense. For example, he never brushed his teeth (which were covered by green and blackness plaque) and he never bathed (though he sometimes swam).

Here are a few snapshots:

- Once when Mao cruel seriously ill, news almost it reached Zhou En Lai while he was in the midst of a political party coming together. Zhou literally shat in his pants in forepart of all those senior party members who were attending the conference - he was so fearful of the factional aftermath.

- The same Zhou En Lai was down with multiple cancers and needed urgent surgery but he could non be operated upon considering Mao's prior permission was required. and Mao would not let. He died non much thereafter.

- The "Great Bound Forrad" was a massive failure and led to unprecedented cover ups. 30 one thousand thousand peasants died of starvation due to a combination of dearth and dogged mismanagement. And when the "emperor" travelled precious paddy plants were uprooted from wherever they could be found and replanted on the barren lands that lined Mao'due south route!

- To prove the rapid strides that 'industrialization' was taking (as whimsically ordered past Mao), the most ridiculous subterfuge was indulged in. False steel outputs were reported by melting spoons and knives all over the Chinese country-sides (in the dorsum yards of peasants' domicile places) to 'manufacture' knives and spoons!!

- The 'Cultural Revolution' was used only to banish and impale dissidents whether true or imagined. Its a wonder to me that that no commotion followed Mao's ultimate death and China did non balkanize, at that place was and then much factionalism and and then many swings in power centers.

- The writer fled from China to the U.S. immediately subsequently Mao's death - and he wrote this book there. After its release he appear that he had even more to reveal which he planned to practice through his second book. Simply he died soon subsequently reportedly nether mysterious circumstances.

The book is longish but quite unputdownable.

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Joan Fung-Tomc
Li Zhisui, the attending physician to Mao for 22 yrs, gives 1st-person account of Mao and the high-level officials in Group One. He gave insight into perhaps i of the most influential person in world history, such as: Mao's personal hygiene (not brushing his teeth/but only rinse his mouth with tea; not bathing); his sexual needs (young women, multiple women); his wellness (not being treated for STD, traditional vs. Western medicine); his rule of Prc.

There were times when to determine what /if

Li Zhisui, the attending md to Mao for 22 yrs, gives 1st-person account of Mao and the high-level officials in Group One. He gave insight into perhaps one of the almost influential person in earth history, such as: Mao'southward personal hygiene (not brushing his teeth/but just rinse his mouth with tea; not bathing); his sexual needs (immature women, multiple women); his health (not beingness treated for STD, traditional vs. Western medicine); his rule of China.

At that place were times when to determine what /if a medical procedure (eg, blazon of cataract surgery) should be washed on Mao. To do this, they would be tested out on Chinese patients beforehand.

Perhaps Li summarized all-time when he said, "Even today, the Communist party continues to demand that people attack the innocent. Information technology requires people to pledge public back up for polices with which they do not hold. Survival in Communist china, then and at present, depends on constantly betraying i's censor."

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Andrew
Sep xv, 2013 rated it information technology was ok
I came to this book looking for a credible, respectable, fly-on-the-wall account of Mao Zedong's life. Information technology ended upward but partially meeting i of those three basic criteria; it was neither respectable nor was the source very apparent, and for big portions (especially the later on years, when Dr. Li had admittedly fallen out of favor with Mao) we did not even go eyewitness accounts.

A bizarre warning comes in the very introduction when Dr. Li, who has just given a thorough explanation of his journ

I came to this book looking for a credible, respectable, fly-on-the-wall account of Mao Zedong's life. Information technology ended up simply partially coming together one of those 3 basic criteria; it was neither respectable nor was the source very apparent, and for big portions (especially the later years, when Dr. Li had absolutely fallen out of favor with Mao) we did not even become eyewitness accounts.

A bizarre alarm comes in the very introduction when Dr. Li, who has just given a thorough caption of his journaling practices (ostensibly to support the credentials of the ensuing account), and so explains how he eventually burned all his notes but still remembers verbatim conversations with Mao almost 20 years afterwards "(b)ecause Mao's language was so colorful and vivid and deeply etched in my brain" and, "My survival and that of my family unit had e'er depended on Mao's words; I could not forget them." (p.xvii) My thoughts after reading that passage went something like this: "Oh, okay, that sounds reasonable enou--- waaait a second. . . does that. . . umm. . . yeah. . . and so that means he kept notes but didn't apply them for this and just relied on his seventy-something year-old memory for events that happened 20-thirty years ago?. . .okaaaaayyy. . . that actually sounds like complete bullshit."

Credibility, see your undoing.

Dr. Li's credibility is further damaged by the fashion he narrates certain events. His accounts are conspicuous for their absence of meaningful cocky-criticism. Certain he occasionally says he should have done something differently, but he doesn't always seem sincere. Here's an case:

I am grateful that I did not understand Mao at the time, did not know how widespread his purges were, how horribly my fellow intellectuals were suffering, how many people were dying. I had tried to escape from Mao's circle and so many times, and e'er Mao had pulled me back. At present I was trapped, with no hope of leaving. There was much that I could have seen then but did not. What if I actually had known clearly what was happening outside my protective cocoon? What if I really had understood the depth and extent of the purges? I could never have accepted it, but I would have been powerless to do anything, either. I would not have been able to go out the circle and I would not have been able to live within it.

The Chinese have an expression, nande hutu, which means that it is difficult to exist muddle-headed -- but lucky. It is an expression reserved for situations like mine. Looking back, I know that I was muddle-headed during those years. I had to be. It was the merely way to survive.

So to sum upwards: Alibi, excuse, justification, alibi, rationalization and half-hearted cocky-criticism. The overwhelming takeaway from a passage such equally this is Dr. Li's timidity and conventionality. And of grade how much can we really trust the account of such a person? Are nosotros to just assume from the absence in his memoir that he did non actively participate in any of the persecutions, that his actions did not effect in the "purging" or condemnation of anyone else? He depicts himself a little too cleanly to actually believe. And simply from reading the passage to a higher place you would never guess that the "and then many" escape attempts were really just him asking a superior to transfer him to some other mail. Information technology's sort of an insult to people who actually were courageous at that time and committed much more than drastic actions.

The respectability of the proceedings runs into problems when Dr. Li spends an inordinate amount of fourth dimension speaking of the sexual and physical characteristics of his subjects. On p.100 he needlessly describes how he masturbated Mao, and subsequently on in the book he commits what to me seems a pretty huge transgression when he uses a patient'due south reaction to physical crunch to comment on his lack of backbone. This came beyond equally both unethical and immoral, regardless of whether the and then-patient is currently living or not.

Finally, the scope of the book was disappointing in that it was non quite every bit advertised. A practiced portion of the volume, maybe half, doesn't take to practice much with Mao'due south "private life" at all, but rather deals with the state of affairs in People's republic of china as a whole and its effect on Dr. Li. Perhaps it could take been more than accurately chosen "The Private Life of Dr. Li Who Occasionally Glimpsed the Private Life of Chairman Mao." Specially in the after years, as I already mentioned, Dr. Li wasn't even really around Mao, so he (somewhat self-consciously, it appears) has to fill up pages with minor details near Politburo factions and in-fighting. He doesn't necessarily seem to be glorifying his role in the proceedings, but a more cynical person than myself might read it that mode (I'one thousand told such people be only take non yet confirmed it). Besides, the book gets repetitive and tedious at times.

Overall, I did learn much about Mao the man and his era in Chinese history. I now desire to rewatch the movie "To Live" to see again the sumptuous recreation of the Cultural Revolution. I just wish Dr. Li would have kept the focus of the book tighter and maintained more professional discipline in what he chose to divulge. I also wish he wouldn't have passed it off as perfectly-recreated dialogue even after burning his notes, as that only defies belief.

Not Bad Reviews

@pointblaek

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Joanna
Jul 07, 2020 rated information technology it was amazing
Unbelieveable insight into China in the post WW2 era. It was heavy reading, with many names to proceed track of, but extremely interesting.
S. Barckmann
Oct 28, 2020 rated it it was amazing
This is a view from somebody who saw Mao all the time and knew his habits. There are many books on Mao that focus on his impact on China's, and even world history, which was profound. Only this book shatters the myths. Spoiler alert - even in individual, he wasn't a very nice man. This is a view from somebody who saw Mao all the time and knew his habits. There are many books on Mao that focus on his touch on Mainland china's, and even world history, which was profound. But this book shatters the myths. Spoiler alert - even in private, he wasn't a very nice man. ...more
Liesje Leest
An other one of those books I loved reading ,learned so much from, only did non terminate. I've only got 200 pages or something left, but for now I give up.

This book is huge simply well written. Information technology almost reads like a novel, including what are almost cliffhangers at the finish of each chapter. I similar the authors honesty. He has worked with a regime, knowing horrible details and doesn't pretend he didn't know those things. He tells the states he had no choice but to piece of work along, and from what I read in the book it

An other one of those books I loved reading ,learned so much from, only did not stop. I've simply got 200 pages or something left, just for now I give upwardly.

This book is huge but well written. Information technology almost reads similar a novel, including what are almost cliffhangers at the end of each affiliate. I like the authors honesty. He has worked with a regime, knowing horrible details and doesn't pretend he didn't know those things. He tells the states he had no choice only to piece of work forth, and from what I read in the book it really seems like he had no selection. The book shows how scary Mao's government actually was, even to people loftier in rank and close to him. Information technology's a kind of exclusive behind the scenes view of Mao'southward life. Equally the title shows it's mostly about his personal life but we do acquire quite a bit about his regime.

The reason I didn't cease the book is because information technology is and so big. I kind of lost involvement at some bespeak. I might pick it upwardly over again ane day because information technology is a good read.

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Patricia
Given that Zhisui Li's autobiography is one of the sources for the recently released book by Jung Chang ( Big Sis, Petty Sister, Cherry-red Sister: Three Women at the Centre of Twentieth-Century China), it corroborates many of the details she covers in the period 1949-1988. Having just finished reading Jung Chang's most recent work, I was curious to learn more virtually Mao'south private and public life. This book fulfilled that desire. It's a long read but riveting.

I wonder how true the author'south statement

Given that Zhisui Li's autobiography is one of the sources for the recently released book by Jung Chang ( Large Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister: Three Women at the Heart of Twentieth-Century China), information technology corroborates many of the details she covers in the period 1949-1988. Having just finished reading Jung Chang's most recent work, I was curious to larn more than most Mao'south private and public life. This book fulfilled that desire. It's a long read but riveting.

I wonder how truthful the author's statement remains today: "Even today, the Communist party ... requires people to pledge public back up for policies with which they do not agree. Survival in Prc, then and now, depends on constantly betraying 1's censor." p. 64

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Chad
May 12, 2008 rated it it was amazing
A fascinating memoir of Mao's personal physician- Dr. Li Zhisui. I simply finished reading this book for the second time and liked information technology fifty-fifty more than than I did the first time.

This is a truly astonishing story of ability, corruption and how intrigues, infighting and Byzantine court politics affected the lives of hundreds of millions of people during the 'Keen Leap Forward' and 'The Cultural Revolution'.

Anyone interested in agreement how ane human gained so much influence and power and held such sway with h

A fascinating memoir of Mao's personal physician- Dr. Li Zhisui. I only finished reading this book for the 2d time and liked it even more than I did the outset fourth dimension.

This is a truly astonishing story of power, corruption and how intrigues, infighting and Byzantine court politics affected the lives of hundreds of millions of people during the 'Great Bound Forward' and 'The Cultural Revolution'.

Anyone interested in understanding how one human gained and then much influence and power and held such sway with his cult of personality should read this book. It was particularly tragic to read how the Chinese people became the pawns in Mao's personal political struggles. Scarier still is how his married woman, Jiang Qing (a obviously neurotic and paranoid woman), would proceeds and then much power for herself.

This is a must read for whatever student of twentieth century politics or mod Chinese history.

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Antonio Nunez
Sep 03, 2013 rated it really liked it
This is the autobiography of Mao's personal physician. When it came out it was scandalous. For instance, it says that Mao loved ballroom dancing and kept with him a cadre of young women for this purpose. However, others risked persecution for bourgeouis deviationism if they indulged this harmless preference. The dancers likewise had to pleasure Mao sexually. One time, says Dr. Li, Mao acquired a VD. When the doctor offered to care for it Mao asked whether the disease would harm him in any way. the dr. sa This is the autobiography of Mao'due south personal md. When it came out it was scandalous. For example, it says that Mao loved ballroom dancing and kept with him a cadre of immature women for this purpose. However, others risked persecution for bourgeouis deviationism if they indulged this harmless preference. The dancers besides had to pleasance Mao sexually. Once, says Dr. Li, Mao caused a VD. When the dr. offered to treat it Mao asked whether the disease would harm him in any way. the doctor said no, simply he would pass it on to his sexual partners. Mao then said treatment was unnecessary. He was an narcissistic monster. ...more than
Britt
Jul 31, 2007 rated it really liked it
Written my Mao Zedong'south personal doctor, this volume gives an interesting and relatively unbiased (at to the lowest degree compared to other books on the leader in which authors focus not on Mao merely on their personal hatred or adoration for him) account of interactions with Mao.

In addition to the standard biographical facts, this book includes some interesting medical testimonies near the leader'due south health including description on which STDs Mao had and did not have, and the fact that he never brushed his teet

Written my Mao Zedong's personal md, this book gives an interesting and relatively unbiased (at least compared to other books on the leader in which authors focus not on Mao but on their personal hatred or admiration for him) account of interactions with Mao.

In addition to the standard biographical facts, this volume includes some interesting medical testimonies about the leader's health including clarification on which STDs Mao had and did not have, and the fact that he never brushed his teeth. The give-and-take of his embalmbment was besides quite interesting.

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John Hennessy
Oct 12, 2012 rated it it was astonishing
I read many books on China, as I'grand fascinated by the country and take visited four times to engagement. Mao is an interesting graphic symbol, and his doctor's account is absolutely riveting. I found it so easy to read the 700+ pages, information technology is THAT good.

Li made his choices under a lot of duress - I think that is why the volume is and so good. It all feels very real...and I have to say I enjoyed this more than than the Wild Swans book by Jung Chang (although that was all the same great).

Unputdownable.

I read many books on Mainland china, every bit I'grand fascinated by the state and take visited four times to date. Mao is an interesting grapheme, and his md'south account is absolutely riveting. I found it then easy to read the 700+ pages, it is THAT good.

Li fabricated his choices under a lot of duress - I think that is why the book is and then good. It all feels very existent...and I take to say I enjoyed this more the Wild Swans book past Jung Chang (although that was even so great).

Unputdownable.

...more than
Shane
Jun 30, 2012 rated it liked information technology
I wouldn't recommend reading this unless you lot have read a broader historical business relationship of Mao. This one is written by his doctor, so you lot get an intimate look at Mao, and larn most his sleeping disorders and boils, simply the context is limited. It is always interesting to me though to read accounts that give a sense of bad, bad, people as real humans. I wouldn't recommend reading this unless you lot take read a broader historical account of Mao. This i is written by his doctor, so you go an intimate look at Mao, and learn nearly his sleeping disorders and boils, but the context is limited. Information technology is always interesting to me though to read accounts that requite a sense of bad, bad, people as real humans. ...more
Sanjana
May 03, 2014 rated it liked information technology
Maybe from a literary and political point of view this book does not offering much. Only for me it was exactly what I was looking for, a bare-it-all, existent life peek into Mao's private life. Only as the name suggests. Only mygod! Did it really have to be 700 pages long? Took almost an year to finish it. Phew! Maybe from a literary and political signal of view this book does non offer much. Only for me information technology was exactly what I was looking for, a bare-information technology-all, real life peek into Mao's private life. But as the proper name suggests. Just mygod! Did it actually accept to exist 700 pages long? Took almost an year to end information technology. Phew! ...more
Susan
Jul 20, 2016 rated information technology really liked it
Learned and so much from this book. Interesting as friends within Cathay don't believe it is true, simply western propaganda, but a friend (editor) in Hong Kong explained that it is absolutely true. Likewise discovered that the copies in China passed nearly "underground" in Chinese are actually different than the English version I found in Hong Kong.

Very brave of Mr. Li to publish this book.

Learned so much from this book. Interesting as friends inside China don't believe it is truthful, merely western propaganda, merely a friend (editor) in Hong Kong explained that information technology is absolutely true. As well discovered that the copies in China passed virtually "underground" in Chinese are actually different than the English version I found in Hong Kong.

Very brave of Mr. Li to publish this book.

...more
Chinese physician who was the personal physician & confidant of Chairman Mao Zedong. Li received his medical caste from the Due west Union Academy Medical School in Sichuan province in 1945 & 5 years later was named managing director of the private medical facility that treated Communist china's top leaders. Beginning in 1954, when Mao chose Li as his personal physician, the two men began to develop a close relat Chinese physician who was the personal physician & confidant of Chairman Mao Zedong. Li received his medical degree from the West Union University Medical School in Sichuan province in 1945 & v years later was named director of the private medical facility that treated China's top leaders. Beginning in 1954, when Mao chose Li equally his personal physician, the two men began to develop a close relationship that lasted until Mao'due south death in 1976. During those years, Li compiled a serial of diaries. Following Mao'southward expiry, Li held several medical posts before joining his two sons in the USA in 1988. Li's biography of Mao honored the memory of his late wife, who had urged her husband to share his knowledge with the residual of the world. Relying partly on memory (some 40 diaries were deliberately destroyed during the perilous Cultural Revolution), Li set forth a detailed account of the man he had served for 22 years. The book, which was banned in Mainland china every bit slanderous but became a best-seller in English & several other languages, too provided important details, previously unknown, about many of Mao'due south colleagues & of pivotal events that occurred during Mao's dominion ...more than

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"I want information technology to serve as a reminder of the terrible human consequences of Mao's dictatorship and of how good and talented people living nether his authorities were forced to violate their consciences and sacrifice their ideals in gild to survive." — 1 likes
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