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Really Enough: A True Story of Tyranny, Courage and Comedy
This astonishing, intimate memoir by Margaret Zhao with Kathleen Martens charts one young woman’s daunting struggle for survival, freedom and forbidden love while exposing the shocking lives of the Enemies of the State under the tumultuous rule of Chairman Mao. Set against the backdrop of a China in chaos, Really Enough is a relatable and touching celebration of rising up against all odds.
Born into a disenfranchised family in rural China in the 1950s and branded an Enemy of the State, Margaret Zhao quickly learned her abject lot in life. With Chairman Mao Zedong’s new Communist Party policies—virtually hidden from the world’s eyes— innocent, affluent families like the Zhaos were punished as evil capitalists and remnants of the feudal past. Empowered by her determined mother in a world of burning books, this passionate daughter of a long line of ancient scholars secretly set out to carry on her illustrious family legacy. Clinging to the power of humor in humorless times when the pursuit of learning from the past was a crime against the state, Margaret used her wits to capture unimaginable dreams. And when a forbidden love with a “foreign devil” raised the stakes even further, what emerges is a testament to the human imperative to be free, and to the redemptive, rallying strength of women and the oppressed everywhere.
Readers interested in true-life accounts of survival, freedom, strong mothers, immigrants rising, and interracial romance will be enthralled by this exquisitely written, relatable story of determination and hope. With heart, humor, conviction, and the uplifting power of learning, Margaret’s personal triumph will embolden you. Her indomitable spirit is contagious—you will laugh, you will cry, you will be inspired. Really Enough will write itself into your heart.
Born into a disenfranchised family in rural China in the 1950s and branded an Enemy of the State, Margaret Zhao quickly learned her abject lot in life. With Chairman Mao Zedong’s new Communist Party policies—virtually hidden from the world’s eyes— innocent, affluent families like the Zhaos were punished as evil capitalists and remnants of the feudal past. Empowered by her determined mother in a world of burning books, this passionate daughter of a long line of ancient scholars secretly set out to carry on her illustrious family legacy. Clinging to the power of humor in humorless times when the pursuit of learning from the past was a crime against the state, Margaret used her wits to capture unimaginable dreams. And when a forbidden love with a “foreign devil” raised the stakes even further, what emerges is a testament to the human imperative to be free, and to the redemptive, rallying strength of women and the oppressed everywhere.
Readers interested in true-life accounts of survival, freedom, strong mothers, immigrants rising, and interracial romance will be enthralled by this exquisitely written, relatable story of determination and hope. With heart, humor, conviction, and the uplifting power of learning, Margaret’s personal triumph will embolden you. Her indomitable spirit is contagious—you will laugh, you will cry, you will be inspired. Really Enough will write itself into your heart.
- GenresMemoir
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2012
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 9, 2020
2020-06-09 - made a few additions and changes to the review and note that because of Covid-19 apparently starting in Wuhan, China and ongoing "issues" between the US and China, I urge anyone interested in knowing more about China to check this book out.
10 June 2017 - Just finished this wonderful, beautifully written and very informative book.
It is a very intimate autobiography, that draws a picture of China (early 1960s - 1989) that will be hard for many Americans to relate to. The vastly different culture and civil, political and economic conditions between the two countries is perhaps an unfathomable disparity that I fear too few Americans will be able to appreciate. But if any story could do it, perhaps this poignant, poetic and positive story can.
I loved how the authors explained so gently the Chinese customs, words, and motivations that were vital parts of life, in ways that were humorous, ironic or just matter-of-fact neat for me.
The great blend of contrasting old customs, (pre-1949) good and bad, with the new government policies, (1949-1979) which did vast harm to so many, was fascinating for this reader.
The huge change that took place in China after Mao died in 1976, lessening some of the tyranny with the new policies by Deng Xiaoping, were shown to have made it possible for Margaret and so many fellow Chinese to survive and begin to thrive. From then till just recently they were allowed some more chances of personal autonomy and freedom and have given the world so much more of what they have had to offer. It is such a shame that the forces of repression have turned and China has begun the last few years to turn back toward tyranny. So many hundreds of millions escaped poverty in the interim period, but now are in danger of slipping back.
I only hope some readers will figure out that [the essentials of] Margaret's story is not an isolated one, but rather explains what made it possible for China to be the biggest/quickest poverty reduction success story the world has ever seen. That is NOT to say that China's policies over the last 40 or so years could not have been improved, or positive change (material and civil) could not have been greater or more extensive. But it is to say that the change in policies from persecuting the "rich" "landlords" in the most heinous ways (killing by starving, shooting, beating, etc. by the tens of millions, to lesser injustices) to allowing everyone a certain degree of equality before the law (and in the official culture) had, and continues to have, a very beneficial effect on all Chinese as well as the whole world. All have been enriched, materially and psychically, and not just in a small way, but immensely.
I underlined a multitude of passages and took many notes while I enjoyed reading this book. So much here for the open mind to explore.
But the bottom line is, if you like any of these categories of books, you should love this one:
- autobiography
- self help
- lyrical/poetic, beautiful writing
- what happened in China (~1960 - 1989)
- contrasting China and US cultural, economic, and political conditions in the 1960s - 90s
- many humorous stories and turns of phrase
- Basic philosophy contrasts that create poverty vs. wealth, oppression vs. freedom and injustice vs. justice
Just one more note - the title is VERY descriptive of the contents of the book. The title's two word phrase seemed strange to me at first, and I bet many Americans may also be perplexed. But rest assured, the meaning will come out plenty quickly and be repeated in many ways and different situations for the reader's benefit and enjoyment throughout the book. And that title points to one of the cultural differences between China and the US that shows how creative and fascinatingly individualistic (REALLY!) Chinese can be. I truly hope many people, not just Americans, but any people, will make the opportunity to read, enjoy and benefit from the wise, painful but funny and enlightening lessons in this book.
---------------
29 May 2017 - So far so great! Really gripping. Very hard to put down.
Met the author at the Recycled Book(store) Club in Campbell last Wed. when she appeared to answer questions about the book. Fascinating. Captivating. Started reading the book a few days later.
10 June 2017 - Just finished this wonderful, beautifully written and very informative book.
It is a very intimate autobiography, that draws a picture of China (early 1960s - 1989) that will be hard for many Americans to relate to. The vastly different culture and civil, political and economic conditions between the two countries is perhaps an unfathomable disparity that I fear too few Americans will be able to appreciate. But if any story could do it, perhaps this poignant, poetic and positive story can.
I loved how the authors explained so gently the Chinese customs, words, and motivations that were vital parts of life, in ways that were humorous, ironic or just matter-of-fact neat for me.
The great blend of contrasting old customs, (pre-1949) good and bad, with the new government policies, (1949-1979) which did vast harm to so many, was fascinating for this reader.
The huge change that took place in China after Mao died in 1976, lessening some of the tyranny with the new policies by Deng Xiaoping, were shown to have made it possible for Margaret and so many fellow Chinese to survive and begin to thrive. From then till just recently they were allowed some more chances of personal autonomy and freedom and have given the world so much more of what they have had to offer. It is such a shame that the forces of repression have turned and China has begun the last few years to turn back toward tyranny. So many hundreds of millions escaped poverty in the interim period, but now are in danger of slipping back.
I only hope some readers will figure out that [the essentials of] Margaret's story is not an isolated one, but rather explains what made it possible for China to be the biggest/quickest poverty reduction success story the world has ever seen. That is NOT to say that China's policies over the last 40 or so years could not have been improved, or positive change (material and civil) could not have been greater or more extensive. But it is to say that the change in policies from persecuting the "rich" "landlords" in the most heinous ways (killing by starving, shooting, beating, etc. by the tens of millions, to lesser injustices) to allowing everyone a certain degree of equality before the law (and in the official culture) had, and continues to have, a very beneficial effect on all Chinese as well as the whole world. All have been enriched, materially and psychically, and not just in a small way, but immensely.
I underlined a multitude of passages and took many notes while I enjoyed reading this book. So much here for the open mind to explore.
But the bottom line is, if you like any of these categories of books, you should love this one:
- autobiography
- self help
- lyrical/poetic, beautiful writing
- what happened in China (~1960 - 1989)
- contrasting China and US cultural, economic, and political conditions in the 1960s - 90s
- many humorous stories and turns of phrase
- Basic philosophy contrasts that create poverty vs. wealth, oppression vs. freedom and injustice vs. justice
Just one more note - the title is VERY descriptive of the contents of the book. The title's two word phrase seemed strange to me at first, and I bet many Americans may also be perplexed. But rest assured, the meaning will come out plenty quickly and be repeated in many ways and different situations for the reader's benefit and enjoyment throughout the book. And that title points to one of the cultural differences between China and the US that shows how creative and fascinatingly individualistic (REALLY!) Chinese can be. I truly hope many people, not just Americans, but any people, will make the opportunity to read, enjoy and benefit from the wise, painful but funny and enlightening lessons in this book.
---------------
29 May 2017 - So far so great! Really gripping. Very hard to put down.
Met the author at the Recycled Book(store) Club in Campbell last Wed. when she appeared to answer questions about the book. Fascinating. Captivating. Started reading the book a few days later.
Read
January 8, 2017You know that I have read some pretty unbelievable memoirs in my day(s); the most recent being Toni Pacini's Alabama Blue (an RBC author). Well, I've got another one for you. It's called Really Enough: A True Story of Tyranny, Courage and Comedy, by Margaret Zhao, with help from Kathleen Martens. But this one is very different from the others I've read. Why? Because it takes place in China. What makes it so different? Margaret was a young child when her family, which was in the privileged class, took a dive thanks to Mao. They went from the top of society to the very bottom. In fact, they were specifically placed below the agrarian field workers. Talk about your classic flip-flop!
You basically have to read it to believe it.
How did I find Margaret and her book? Thanks go to Ann Bridges, local author extraordinaire and a friend of Margaret's. In fact, Ann was our December author for our corporate book club in Pleasanton. And she recommended Margaret, who is also in the East Bay. Well, if she's going to be a book club author, then, obviously, I need to read her book! And it is a jaw-dropper.
This book will cause to tear up, smile, and do a whole bunch of head-shaking. You will marvel, in not such a good way, over what Margaret and her family had to go through. I will just quote a couple of passages for you. The 1st takes place in China, and the 2nd in the U.S., right after Margaret comes over.
Having no means to earn money or points to provide for the family, Father borrowed money from others. It turned out borrowing money was often done, but paying back was seldom seen. Especially at the New Year, people flowed to our house asking for repayment. Sometimes they were patient walking away empty handed. Most of the time they were rude and angry, demanding money right there, right then, threatening to tear the house apart or storming away, promising to be back again soon. Somehow, Father always happened to be absent during these visits. So, whenever strangers walked in the direction of our house, our bodies shook in terror, and our hearts sank. (P. 61)
The excitement of the newness turned from light to heavy with every single daily thing I had to do. Even the simplest thing exploded into a hundred pieces like having to memorize each petal of a rose, its shape, its color, its placement on the bloom; it felt overwhelming and impossible. Eating became which utensil, where to put the fork, how to use the fork, where to put it at the end, napkins on your lap, what is this food, how do you eat it, how does this faucet work? I simply want to wash my hands! Opening a door, showering, telephoning, and the machinery - washers, dryers - were all a mystery to be solved. My mind could not stop the incessant scanning of the world around me. The automatic dryer made me feel sad that the sun had no purpose. It made no sense to use up electricity in sunny California, to not to hang the clothes to enjoy the benefits of the free sun. There was no fear of frozen standing pants in this delightful place. Soon, the threads of every common thing in my new life wove themselves into a dense and heavy blanket that day by day dropped down upon my happy spirit, suffocating me, making my limbs feel so heavy, weighing down my soul, wrapping me in self-pity. (PP. 301-2)
There's a lot of tough reading in Really Enough. But the end result is worth it. Some of the things that Margaret ends up doing (and becoming) are pretty darn inspirational. Do you want a memoir that shows you what perseverance looks like? Then get a hold of Really Enough. It will maybe make you reconsider how hard you (I!) think you (I) have it.
A review is forthcoming.
You basically have to read it to believe it.
How did I find Margaret and her book? Thanks go to Ann Bridges, local author extraordinaire and a friend of Margaret's. In fact, Ann was our December author for our corporate book club in Pleasanton. And she recommended Margaret, who is also in the East Bay. Well, if she's going to be a book club author, then, obviously, I need to read her book! And it is a jaw-dropper.
This book will cause to tear up, smile, and do a whole bunch of head-shaking. You will marvel, in not such a good way, over what Margaret and her family had to go through. I will just quote a couple of passages for you. The 1st takes place in China, and the 2nd in the U.S., right after Margaret comes over.
Having no means to earn money or points to provide for the family, Father borrowed money from others. It turned out borrowing money was often done, but paying back was seldom seen. Especially at the New Year, people flowed to our house asking for repayment. Sometimes they were patient walking away empty handed. Most of the time they were rude and angry, demanding money right there, right then, threatening to tear the house apart or storming away, promising to be back again soon. Somehow, Father always happened to be absent during these visits. So, whenever strangers walked in the direction of our house, our bodies shook in terror, and our hearts sank. (P. 61)
The excitement of the newness turned from light to heavy with every single daily thing I had to do. Even the simplest thing exploded into a hundred pieces like having to memorize each petal of a rose, its shape, its color, its placement on the bloom; it felt overwhelming and impossible. Eating became which utensil, where to put the fork, how to use the fork, where to put it at the end, napkins on your lap, what is this food, how do you eat it, how does this faucet work? I simply want to wash my hands! Opening a door, showering, telephoning, and the machinery - washers, dryers - were all a mystery to be solved. My mind could not stop the incessant scanning of the world around me. The automatic dryer made me feel sad that the sun had no purpose. It made no sense to use up electricity in sunny California, to not to hang the clothes to enjoy the benefits of the free sun. There was no fear of frozen standing pants in this delightful place. Soon, the threads of every common thing in my new life wove themselves into a dense and heavy blanket that day by day dropped down upon my happy spirit, suffocating me, making my limbs feel so heavy, weighing down my soul, wrapping me in self-pity. (PP. 301-2)
There's a lot of tough reading in Really Enough. But the end result is worth it. Some of the things that Margaret ends up doing (and becoming) are pretty darn inspirational. Do you want a memoir that shows you what perseverance looks like? Then get a hold of Really Enough. It will maybe make you reconsider how hard you (I!) think you (I) have it.
A review is forthcoming.
March 13, 2014
Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book! I am not usually a person that gravitates towards biographies or history so much. However, after I started this boo, I couldn't putt down. I always thought, "just one more chapter!". I read until wee hours of the night with laughter and sorrow as the author shared her story growing up in Communist China under Chairman Mao.
It's a story of amazing perseverance and overcoming many, many challenges. Wow, I can't imagine being in the author's shoes. I don't think I would have survived! Just when you think the final challenge has come, think again.
I do wish to know the current outcome of where the author is today two years since her story has been published, and how her family is. They feel like my family now.
I loved this book so much, I could re-read it again even though I just finished it!
It's a story of amazing perseverance and overcoming many, many challenges. Wow, I can't imagine being in the author's shoes. I don't think I would have survived! Just when you think the final challenge has come, think again.
I do wish to know the current outcome of where the author is today two years since her story has been published, and how her family is. They feel like my family now.
I loved this book so much, I could re-read it again even though I just finished it!
July 29, 2015
This is an often heartbreaking story of a young woman born into an intelligent family at the wrong time in history--i.e. the cultural revolution in China. Margaret Zhao describes her past with great poetry from her early upbringing, in which her family was sent to work in fields, bullied, and rarely had enough food on the table, to Margaret's eventual escape when the government changed the policy, allowing even someone blacklisted like herself to test into college, marry, and become a teacher. When Margaret becomes a teacher, I assumed the ending was happy. We could close this story. But then she met an American man who seemed quite nice and kept in touch with her for years, would not forget her. And yet another saga begins. It's a captivating read.
August 14, 2015
Margaret's story truly is one of courage, chronicling her life as a young girl under Mao's regime in China and her determination to escape.
My only criticism--she ended the story half-way! But I understand she's considering a sequel to tell us about finding the love of her life in Silicon Valley, so let's join in and ask she share the rest of her life with her humorous perspective and poignant insights.
My only criticism--she ended the story half-way! But I understand she's considering a sequel to tell us about finding the love of her life in Silicon Valley, so let's join in and ask she share the rest of her life with her humorous perspective and poignant insights.
February 6, 2013
Really Enough is a wonderful inspiring read that I was not expecting. The story is about a young girl and her family's journey through changing China and her quest for something more. I have to admit that first five chapters were very difficult to read because of all the hardship and difficultly Zhao and her family faced. At certain points I was like, "OMG does it ever get any better?!" And it certainly does with the book being 360 pages.
As Zhao grows up faster than she probably should have, you can't help but be inspired and touched by her ability to push through with such strength and with spunk I might add. But the best part about following along in her journey is the humor and family closeness held through the entire book, which is something we all can connect to despite different situation and details.
If you picked this up and are aching at the first half of the book, PLEASE push through. The second half where Zhao humor shines through and supplies many smiles and relief from the beginning.
A lovely gem for all.
As Zhao grows up faster than she probably should have, you can't help but be inspired and touched by her ability to push through with such strength and with spunk I might add. But the best part about following along in her journey is the humor and family closeness held through the entire book, which is something we all can connect to despite different situation and details.
If you picked this up and are aching at the first half of the book, PLEASE push through. The second half where Zhao humor shines through and supplies many smiles and relief from the beginning.
A lovely gem for all.
August 8, 2012
This is a true story that everyone should read! It is amazing to think that something like this happened in our life time and a small little girl lived through it and can tell her story now. It is compelling, inspiring and certainly a page turner. There are times when you will laugh out loud and times when you will cry...Really Enough is one you will come to love along with many of the other characters and family members she tells about. All that she relates comes to life through the writing of Kathleen Martens...she eloquently, yet clearly and compassionately, brings each memory and incident into our life so much so that we feel their hunger, their humiliation, their desperation, and their triumph. It is a charmingly unique and enlightening view of one's life struggle, so exquisitely written that it will be etched in your memory for a very long time. I highly recommend it.
October 28, 2015
This book offers a first hand account of growing up in China during Chairman Mao's cultural revolution, where society was turned on its head, and many people lost livelihood and lives. I learned a great deal from an historical standpoint, by reading this book. The second layer to this story is that it is a personal story, told by Margaret Zhao, who survives and thrives beyond her difficult/impossible childhood. Her can-do attitude, wonderful sense of humor, and ability to make lemonade out of lemons, again, and again, are truly inspirational. At the end of the book, I was left with a sense of appreciation for the life I have, and hope for the future, no matter what comes. It's a really good read.
December 12, 2014
As I finished reading this and closed the back cover, I could already think of the next friend that I'll grab and say, "You (and your book club) HAVE to read this book."
The opening is dramatic and, told from a child's point of view, a little confusing. Stick with it and you will suddenly find that you can't let it go.
Like a well-balanced meal, this book encompasses many flavors. Harshness, poverty, and cruelty co-exist with magic, and deep love, and humor. The two authors have created a capacious, action-filled narrative that has both exquisite regional detail and universal resonance.
The opening is dramatic and, told from a child's point of view, a little confusing. Stick with it and you will suddenly find that you can't let it go.
Like a well-balanced meal, this book encompasses many flavors. Harshness, poverty, and cruelty co-exist with magic, and deep love, and humor. The two authors have created a capacious, action-filled narrative that has both exquisite regional detail and universal resonance.
February 15, 2015
From the first pages I was hooked by the wonderful storytelling. This true tale shocked me, enraged me and inspired me. Margaret Zhao's tenacity, strength and courage in the bleakest of settings was uplifting and amazing.I was cheering her on from the comfort of my living room while the tiny girl was starving in the cold. My heart was breaking and so I kept reading. I couldn't put this book down. Finally I was able to cheer as she triumphed over tragedy. This book touched me deeply and will stay with me many years.
March 9, 2013
Fascinating read! The harsh reality of growing up in China under Mao combines with a bright, headstrong girl & her "feminist" mother...themes of family, culture, adversity & the search for "Happiness" all blend into a a very descriptive memoir...one of my favorite genres, I felt the story was told in almost too much detail in places & yet left some things unanswered...but overall it was a well done tale.(less)
April 17, 2023
One of the more readable books about post-revolution China. The first 2/3 of the book is really good, as Margaret describes her time in China in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Her struggles are moving and memorable, but she includes enough humor to make the book readable. It is something I will carry with me for a long time. The last part of the book (after she gets on the boat) are true to her life but less gripping to the reader.
August 16, 2012
This is a true story of overcoming intense hardship in the quite extraordinary environment of Mao's communist China. A young woman grows up in brutal poverty, is excluded from society because of her family background, and yet manages to create a life of love and laughter and self-fulfillment in the midst of it all. Truly inspiring.
January 21, 2013
Couldn't lay it down, it was so entertaining. The history involved was great but the human life and value of education was touching. What a biography!
June 8, 2017
The first 2/3 of the book is the strongest part. The picture of China during the revolution and the changes that brought to the culture and structure of society are very vivid. And the personal stories of how the revolution tore apart and ultimately bound together a family are very well drawn. The book gives a glimpse into a society and a time that has been darkly veiled for many years.
May 27, 2025
An excellent memoir of a Chinese woman overcoming the tyranny of Mao in China to her difficult entrance into the United States.
March 7, 2017
This is the story of how I didn't join a book club.
It's actually not that exciting of a story. A group of women I go to church with have a book club they've been advertising. Unfortunately, they meet during the day, which is when I work, so I couldn't join. They were kind enough to give me a list of books they were reading and one woman lent me her copy of that month's book. One member of the club also confided in me that she had tried to expose the book club to a few Brandon Sanderson books (which are some of my favorite books in the universe) and they hadn't been well-received.
It was then that I realized this probably wasn't my type of book club. Really Enough was so different from anything else I tend to read and I was honestly not excited for it. I let it sit on my bookshelf for a couple months before I finally convinced myself I had to finish it before I could start my stack of library books.
I'll admit I was pleasantly surprised. While definitely not something I would have chosen for myself, it was a lot more interesting than I had imagined. What made it more fascinating is that this was someone's life and that I got to see what people in other parts of the world were going through from the 1950's until now. The most interesting part for me was realizing that I know several Chinese immigrants who are probably close in age to the author, so they may have had similar childhoods and experiences. That made the book so much for real to me.
This wasn't a perfect book by any means. There were several times I wanted to yell at the author/protagonist for doing some really dumb stuff that obviously didn't work out. And the writing was good, but not fantastic. I definitely wasn't as inspired by this book as other reviewers claim to be, but I feel like it gave me a new perspective and I appreciate that.
It's actually not that exciting of a story. A group of women I go to church with have a book club they've been advertising. Unfortunately, they meet during the day, which is when I work, so I couldn't join. They were kind enough to give me a list of books they were reading and one woman lent me her copy of that month's book. One member of the club also confided in me that she had tried to expose the book club to a few Brandon Sanderson books (which are some of my favorite books in the universe) and they hadn't been well-received.
It was then that I realized this probably wasn't my type of book club. Really Enough was so different from anything else I tend to read and I was honestly not excited for it. I let it sit on my bookshelf for a couple months before I finally convinced myself I had to finish it before I could start my stack of library books.
I'll admit I was pleasantly surprised. While definitely not something I would have chosen for myself, it was a lot more interesting than I had imagined. What made it more fascinating is that this was someone's life and that I got to see what people in other parts of the world were going through from the 1950's until now. The most interesting part for me was realizing that I know several Chinese immigrants who are probably close in age to the author, so they may have had similar childhoods and experiences. That made the book so much for real to me.
This wasn't a perfect book by any means. There were several times I wanted to yell at the author/protagonist for doing some really dumb stuff that obviously didn't work out. And the writing was good, but not fantastic. I definitely wasn't as inspired by this book as other reviewers claim to be, but I feel like it gave me a new perspective and I appreciate that.
August 19, 2023
The beginning of the book was very slow and almost unrealistic for a true story. I was looking for humanity, a believable and interesting story but I found too many stretches.
July 21, 2012
Inspirational story...writing needs polishing.
Read
February 1, 2017A great read!! Amazing what the Chinese had to live thru.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews