Mother of Red Mountains: A Novel of a Woman's Journey Through Revolutionary China

An ambitious civil engineer desperately wants to protect her baby girls in the shadow of China’s tumultuous mid-20th century.

Despite tragedies in her childhood, Jun crafts a stable life by changing her name twice to fit in a male-dominated and politically charged society. Ambitious and high-achieving in her career, she seeks help from her in-laws to care for the girls.

But when the Red Guards threaten the young family because of their association with in-laws' capitalist class, Jun worries their very existence is in jeopardy.

With their safety frequently compromised, will Jun triumph over the grave danger she encounters and successfully protect and maintain a stable life for her young family?”

If you like strong female protagonists facing mountainous challenges and are interested in people's lives in 1930s to 1960s China, you will find Jun's life journey fascinating yet relatable.

"Mother of Red Mountains" is an epic tale that creatively weaves together history, personal stories, and the complex culture of revolutionary China, magnificently crafted by the eloquent storyteller, Apple An. Showcasing the power of sheer grit and determination, this book traces the journey of a formidable woman who dares to dream against all odds.

The book sweeps across multiple remarkable decades during which China was experiencing the throes of socio-political upheaval. Laying between its covers is the intriguing story of Jun, from an innocent girl who helps her Baba’s shop to an ambitious woman, who despite hardship and amid rampant gender inequality, aspires for more than her preordained life. With grit, wit, and hard work, Jun becomes a star civil engineer at the best institute in the country with a great promise for a bright future. Jun’s life takes an unexpected turn at the onset of China’s Cultural Revolution when constant raids of Red Guards frighten her toddler girls, being cared for by her capitalist in-laws.

Apple An, with her brilliant storytelling, beautifully encapsulates the authenticity of a dramatic era and the soul of a woman who navigates political and personal turmoil and eventually finds her motherhood surpasses all her ambitions and expectations in life. Each character is finely etched, while the vivid descriptions of China - its vast landscapes, unique customs, and people - strike a chord of familiarity yet curious fascination.

"Mother of Red Mountains" is an intensely emotional and engrossing tale of courage, sacrifice, love, and survival. It is a tribute to millions of anonymous women who have dared to dream and have battled against an uncompromising society throughout history. This novel transcends the boundaries of geography and time, striking a universal chord of humanity.

Brimming over with rich historical details, unforgettable characters, and evocative descriptions, "Mother of Red Mountains" leaves its readers with a broader understanding of a tumultuous period in Chinese history and deep admiration for its tenacious heroine.