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  • Mary's Last Dance

  • By: Mary Li
  • Narrated by: Taylor Owynns
  • Length: 18 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (106 ratings)

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Mary's Last Dance

By: Mary Li
Narrated by: Taylor Owynns
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Publisher's Summary

I can vividly remember the last steps of the last ballet, walking off the stage led by a mother and knowing the decision I had to make. That was my last dance.

Mary Li (née McKendry) is an international ballet star and a mother like no other. She became a household name when her husband, Li Cunxin, published his best-selling memoir, Mao's Last Dancer - but that book told only half the story.

Growing up in a rambunctious family in Rockhampton, Mary discovered an extraordinary early passion for ballet. It saw her move to London at age 16, to study at the Royal Ballet School and dance at the London Festival Ballet with the likes of Nureyev and later to Houston Ballet, where as principal dancer she fell in love with the acclaimed Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin. The couple became the darlings of the dance world and were happier than they could have imagined at the arrival of their firstborn daughter, Sophie.

Then right at the height of her international career, Mary seemingly disappeared from view, leaving the fans aghast. What could have happened to cause a woman so committed, so talented, to give it all away in a heartbeat? Now, almost 20 years on, fans finally get their answer about what happened next to this inspiring family and learn why it is Mary's turn to tell a truly remarkable tale.

Mary's Last Dance is a powerful and uplifting memoir about chasing an impossible dream and sacrificing one's own ambition for the love of a child. It is a moving and unforgettable story of passion, dedication and devotion - and the highly anticipated sequel to one of the world's most beloved books.

©2020 Mary Li (P)2020 Penguin Random House Audio

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Best story ever!

Im lost for words! Please just listen to this book it is AMAZING 🤩 If you loved Mao’s last dance this book will fulfil everything. Loved loved loved this story A++++++++

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  • 07-02-2021

A wonderful account of family and ballet.

Loved every moment of this audiobook. Whether you are a ballet aficionado or not this book will speak to you in many ways. It is a story of human aspirations for excellence and a loving account of a family and their love for one another.

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I true star

Loved It. I laughed, cried and was totally immersed in this book. The insight into the ballet world was so enlightening.
Cannot speak more highly of this book. This is a must read! (or listen to, as I did)

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Thoroughly enjoyable even through the moments of tears

The Li family members have packed so much into their lives. Whilst there are the moments of achievement, the story is about relationships. I wasn’t prepared for how envious I would be of their sense of family and connection.

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Loved loved loved it.

Thank you. I enjoyed this book as much as I loved Mao’s Last Dancer - a book I have read several times now. As I am sure I will this one too.

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An Inspiration

A beautiful narration of family relationships faced with both challenges and blessings. A delightful read.

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brilliant in every way

My son and I thoroughly enjoyed and were glued to your beautiful story and the way it was shared with so much emotion and connection . WE feel like we know you all and we’re so sad when the book ended as we would love to hear more about your children and when lockdown is over we intend coming to Queensland to see one of Li’s ballets x Thank you

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Wonderful

I really enjoyed this, it’s a great follow up to Mao’s Last Dancer, and finished of the story well. I laughed and cried, the narration was excellent, I felt like I was really listening to Mary.

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So Beautiful!

Loved every second, such a touching story. It was so nice to be able to listen to Mary’s story right after Mao’s Last dancer. Mary and Sophie did a truly wonderful job and I felt like it filled in some gaps between Mary and Li’s stories. What an Amazing & Beautiful family.

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exception, honest story of a life well lived

what an amazing family of high achievers. long may they continue to thrive and spread joy. thank you for sharing...I have just heard that Li is retiring due to heart problems...get well, you deserve a great retirement with your family xx

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