this book is surprisingly fictional. as was pointed out by a reviewer, the author already drew her conclusion before she wrote her book. its values lies only in rebutting the deified image of mao, and adds nothing in constructing the truth behind history. well, I'd say, it perhaps sates the thirst of those hungry for any sort of communist brutality, whether it be true or not. there are plenty here in the west, if nothing else, just to prove themselves "right".