In the shadow of China’s tumultuous mid-20th century, an ambitious civil engineer is determined to protect her baby girls.

Despite a childhood marked by tragedies, Jun carves out a stable life for herself while shrewdly and skillfully navigating a male-dominated and politically charged society. As she rises through the ranks in her profession, she turns to her in-laws to help care for her daughters.

But when the Red Guards target her young family due to their connection with her in-laws’ capitalist class, Jun fears their very existence is in jeopardy.

Amid frequent threats to their safety, can Jun rise above the challenges and safeguard both her family’s future and their fragile stability?

Mother of Red Mountains is an epic tale that creatively weaves together history, personal stories, and the complex culture of revolutionary China. Showcasing the power of sheer grit and determination, this book traces the journey of a formidable woman who dares to dream against all odds.

The book sweeps across multiple remarkable decades during which China was experiencing the throes of socio-political upheaval. Laying between its covers is the intriguing story of Jun, from an innocent girl who helps her Baba’s shop to an ambitious woman, who despite hardship and amid rampant gender inequality, aspires for more than her preordained life. With grit, wit, and hard work, Jun becomes a star civil engineer at the best institute in the country with a great promise for a bright future. Jun’s life takes an unexpected turn at the onset of China’s Cultural Revolution when constant raids of Red Guards frighten her toddler girls, being cared for by her capitalist in-laws.

Apple An encapsulates the authenticity of a dramatic era and the soul of a woman who navigates political and personal turmoil and eventually finds her motherhood surpasses all her ambitions and expectations in life. Each character is finely etched, while the vivid descriptions of China - its vast landscapes, unique customs, and people - strike a chord of familiarity yet curious fascination.

Mother of Red Mountains is an intensely emotional and engrossing tale of courage, sacrifice, love, and survival. It is a tribute to millions of anonymous women who have dared to dream and have battled against an uncompromising society throughout history. This novel transcends the boundaries of geography and time, striking a universal chord of humanity.

Brimming with rich historical details, unforgettable characters, and evocative descriptions, Mother of Red Mountains leaves its readers with a broader understanding of a tumultuous period in Chinese history and deep admiration for its tenacious heroine.

"Mother of Red Mountains is a gripping and emotional story. This novel isn’t just about history—it’s about strength, ambition, and the sacrifices women make when the world seems stacked against them. Author Apple An demonstrates exceptional skill in crafting a narrative that is both historically rich and deeply personal. Jun doesn’t just feel like a character—she feels like a real person, full of struggles, hopes, and tough decisions. The historical details bring the setting to life, making it feel like more than just a backdrop but an essential part of the story, and also teaching readers about this chaotic time in China's history. Despite the heavy themes, the writing is beautiful, balancing the hardships with moments of hope and resilience. The descriptions of the world around Jun pull readers in, making it easy to get lost in her journey. Overall, I highly recommend Mother of Red Mountains as a powerful and moving story about strength, survival, and the unbreakable bonds of family." - K.C. Finn

"Mother of Red Mountains is a gripping tale of a woman's fight to survive and safeguard her family amid the political turmoil in mid-20th-century China. This is historical fiction/drama at its finest. Author Apple An does a masterful job of infusing an atmosphere of tension and intrigue into the narrative. The story shows the struggles of people who found themselves at odds with the Communist Party's plans during China's Cultural Revolution. In this character-driven drama, the reader follows the protagonist from her early childhood years to being a civil engineer, wife, and mother, covering several decades. I found Jun's story very realistic and captivating. Apart from Jun, I also enjoyed the story arcs of Binkai, Mr. Zhou, Yanshao, and Xia. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will love this book." - Pikasho Deka