There has been a great deal of publicity associated with Juang Chang’s new book Mao: The Unknown Story. Having thoroughly enjoyed reading her first book, Wild Swans, I recently ordered the new book from Amazon, and await delivery - hopefully tomorrow.
She was a guest on Start the Week yesterday, and it was primarily her comments there that spurred me to commit to buying the book (along with some database theory books I have been waiting for Amazon to get in stock from the US publishers).
Whilst in town this morning, I wandered about the excellent Waterstones on Sauchiehall Street, and thought I’d locate the book to see what size tome I’d let myself in for. I was therefore very pleased to see that she is visiting the store next Thursday (16th June at 6.30pm) to talk about her book, so I quickly snapped up a ticket. At £3, it didn’t take that much thinking: Such a well respected author, with such an interesting life, and a thought provoking and provocative biography will make for a fascinating evening.
My only regrets now are that the £3 ticket is redeemable against a copy of the book bought on the evening, but even with the additional £5 off the RRP, I’ve saved more than that buying at Amazon (sorry Waterstones!) it’s not too much of a consideration. I also get a chance to at least start reading the book before I meet her, so might actually be able to ask some relevant questions! There’s a fascinating comment at Roger Darlington’s website regarding the book, which might be interesting to put to her… On re-reading it though, perhaps I might stick to something a bit more relevant to the book!
Anyway, regardless of the cost of the book, the experience will be one to remember I’m sure. I’ve not attended an author talk since John Cole’s book “As it seemed to me” was published whilst I was at University, and it was a thoroughly fascinating hour. I’m sure this will be every bit as interesting and enjoyable. I just wish I could persuade Frances to come…
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June 10th, 2005 at 10:51 am
I’m going to hear Jung Chang in London on Monday evening - with a young Chinese friend …
June 17th, 2005 at 4:33 pm
[...] at Waterstones, on Sauchiehall Street here in Glasgow (I’ve previously mentioned it here). It was a fascinating evening, and all the better for the presence of a lectu [...]