"Mao: The Unknown Story" by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday is an exhaustive and critical biography of Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China. This book delves into Mao's rise to power, his ruthless strategies, and the catastrophic policies that led to the deaths of millions. The biography challenges the traditional narratives about Mao, presenting him as a figure driven by ambition, manipulativeness, and a complete disregard for human life.
Based on a decade of meticulous research, including interviews with numerous individuals who had direct interactions with Mao, the book provides a comprehensive examination of Mao's personal and political life. It reveals previously unknown facts about his rise to power, his relationships with key figures, and the profound and often devastating impacts of his policies on China and its people. The biography challenges the mythos surrounding Mao, painting a portrait of a man driven by an insatiable desire for power at any cost.