Forbidden City follows Mei, a teenager living in 1960s China. Mei becomes Mao Zedong’s lover and eventually his protégé. 

Mei is recruited from her village to join a dance troupe in the capital. The Chairman (Mao Zedong) is intrigued by Mei and she becomes his lover. As Mei spends time with the Chairman, she learns more about the Communist Party and the Revolution. Mei is given a political mission that leads her on an even bigger journey. 

Mei was just about the only character I liked, but I was able to empathize and understand some of the other characters. Mei has such good character development! You can tell she’s growing up throughout the book (especially at the end).

Vanessa Hua spent years researching and writing this book and it shows. It was such an intimate story with excellent details and character description. I did have to google to see if Mei was real! She fit into the story so well. 

I would definitely recommend this book, it’s definitely 5/5 stars for me. Historical fiction isn’t always my favorite genre, but I couldn’t put this book down! Forbidden City comes out April 19th, and it won’t be one to miss!