The Secret Piano: From Mao's Labor Camps to Bach's Goldberg Variations Audiobook

" Straightforward first person story of the artist's life in China under Mao. "

" This book was very sad to me. I had not known a lot about this period in Chinese history and the book was how it affected the artists, the author in particular. "

" Good book. Didn't know anything about Mao in China so this has peaked my interest to learn more. Lovely how she was able to overcome that intense period in her life. "

" I loved this book! It's a fascinating autobiography of a woman who lived through the Chinese Cultural Revolution during her late teens and early 20s. Later she was able to complete her piano studies in the US and France. Her writing about piano music and performing is insightful. Highly recommended for pianists and musicians in general. "

" A powerful and moving story of the Cultural Revolution in China and a testament to the power of art and music for mankind. "

" This book was an amazing book, very well wrote. An easy and quick read. Gave a wonderful insight to the re-education in the Mao dynasty and and inspirational story of a girl that wouldn't give up. "

" Pretty good book about woman who survives Cultural Revolution. One thing I really liked is her story after--seems like many books leave off close to the end of that period. Also the musical aspect was interesting. "

" Fascinating story of an amazingly talented woman coming of age in the time of the Chinese cultural Revolution. Her story is inspiring and I also learned about a suppressed and backwards time I knew nothing about. "

" I waited too long to write this review, but I really enjoyed this book. It was fun after reading it to go on YouTube and watch her play. Very good story. Some of the composer talk would probably be a little boring for non-musicians, but still a great story. "

" I was unfamiliar with the Chinese Revolution, that part of the story was OK I thought the author repeated herself over and over. maybe it lost something in translation. I was rather disappointed with the book "

" Excellent book about China and time in history I knew nothing about. Well worth reading! "

" a very detailed book of the life of a child who grew up during the cultural revolution. Insight into a struggle of a life dedicated to becoming a pianist and the toll the cultural revolution took on families and and the creative spirit of China. "

" Wow. Mao. A fascinating inside look at the Cultural Revolution. Also, I love when books have side-effects... the passion the author writes with has me listening to classical music! "

" I really liked this book. Another look into the China we know so little about but more importantly, it is a great look at the toll the Culteral Revolution and Great Leap Forward took on the Chinese people. Hopefully, their future will be better than their past. "

" An interesting memoir about the affects of the Chinese Cultural Revolution on young pianist. A study on how people can be lead down a road of destruction by leaders, but then the personal struggle to find your way back. "

" If you play classical piano or are interested in classical music, this would be an interesting read from a technical point of view. I felt it was more about the music than the author's experiences in revolutionary China. I found it quite hard to relate to the author as I read. "

" I liked the story and learning about life in China during the time period. I also enjoyed the musical aspects and her insights and feelings of how life issues affected her playing over the years. "

" Awesome book, really makes me feel how privilege I am to have been born in a country were my voice is heard. I is unbelievable that a whole generating of people in China were deprived of an education. This is a must read for every one. "