In my Library Journal review of Hannah Pakula's The Last Empress: Madame Chiang Kai-shek and the Birth of Modern China, I argued that her book presents an engaging study into one of the most intriguing but misunderstood characters of modern China. Soong May-ling (1897–2003), most famous as Madame Chiang Kai-shek. This fascinating biography contrasts with Sterling Seagrave's classic but rather cynical The Soong Dynasty. In examining Soong May-ling's contributions to modern China, Pakula argues that despite being overshadowed by her husband, "the Generalissimo," Soong's own legacy was arguably more significant to Chinese politics. Well educated and thoroughly Americanized (she was educated in the States from girlhood), Soong possessed the intelligence and social prowess to play an important role in politicking with Western nations, serving as her husband's translator and offering him a cultural understanding of American politicians. Through her subject's letters and diaries, Pakula also reveals details of Soong's personal life: her indifference toward her husband, her battle with depression, and her personal ambitions even as she was cloistered in a patriarchal society. VERDICT Readers, both general and specialized, interested in modern Chinese and international history will enjoy this book immensely. Highly recommended.—Allan Cho, Univ. of British Columbia Lib.
