Feathered Quill Book Reviews
“Quill says: Galvan’s skillfully written account of this unusual, touchingly bold young woman could well be envisioned as a movie or film series, set against the dramatic backdrop of events in her nation, her professional realm, and along the rough road Ruan Lingyu had to travel as an intelligent, intuitive woman in a male-dominated society.”
David A. Conrad, author of Akira Kurosawa and Modern Japan (McFarland & Company, 2022), Not Even Past
“The slim yet thorough and persuasive new book [...] explains the contradiction, the tug-of-war between tragedy and imperishability that defines so many of the 20th century’s great artists.”
Lea Stans, Silent-ology
“I was also impressed by the obvious care Galvan took in researching the tumultuous changes and politics of early 20th century China, and in understanding how the country’s movie industry was impacted by these issues throughout the years. He presents this history in very clear, readable detail, making it a useful starting point not just for fans of Ruan but for film lovers wanting to learn more about the Chinese film industry in general.”
Literary Titan
“The biography serves as a treasure trove of knowledge for cinema aficionados, shedding light on the formative influences that shaped the industry and propelled silent film actresses like Ruan Lingyu to stardom.”
Akram Herrak, Independent Book Review
“The ultimate biography of one of China's earliest film stars from the Silent Era.”
