![]() ![]() What is most interesting are the revelations on the incredible corruption of the early Republic of China years. Then there's the drama of when Soong's daughter married the revolutionary leader. Sun Yat-Sen was a lucky historical figure in a way, who just kept under the radar enough to not get associated and then be the last one standing to get credit as the inspiration for the first 1911 revolution. Charlie Soong was apparently a fraud in his early years. Author Sterling Seagrave seeks to tell the honest truth and it is often brutal. The basics may be well-known, but it's the details that make this a thrilling read. Spoiler alert of sorts, if you don't know basic Asian history. Eventually, this story leads up to the ROC losing the war and moving to Taiwan. Charlie Soong and his children were instrumental in the history of the Republic of China era, and Chiang Kai-Sheck - who of course married a Soong sister - is a major character in the book as well. ![]() ![]() The Soong Dynasty is particularly essential if interested in Taiwan. A very essential book for China watchers, of which I'm quite regretful that I hadn't read years ago. ![]()
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