"Mao's Great Famine" seems to be well-researched. Frank Dikötter draws from a range of archival sources and individual testimonies, providing readers with an extensive accounting of the devastating famine that plagued China during Mao Zedong's rule. The author's writing style is engaging, bringing the events surrounding the famine to life. One of the book's most valuable aspects lies in the insights it offers into the political and socioeconomic factors that contributed to the more disastrous consequences of Mao's policies and haphazard Great Leap Forward.

However, while "Mao's Great Famine" does appear to be well-researched, I gathered the sense while reading it (even as someone slightly uninitiated to the subject) that it occasionally lacks the nuanced understanding that such a contentious and intricate topic demands. The book's focus on Mao's leadership and the actions of the Chinese Communist Party, while surely important, seems to somewhat neglect broader contextual factors. The book also relies mostly on official records and survivor testimonies. These sources are undoubtedly valuable, but a more diverse range of perspectives could have enhanced the overall narrative. Also, the book occasionally lacks a robust examination of counterarguments or alternative interpretations of the events it discusses, which may be the biggest flaw with the work (overstatement of its thesis).

Regardless, "Mao's Great Famine" by Frank Dikötter is a well-researched and engaging account of a terrible period in Chinese history. The book offers valuable insights into the famine and its underlying causes, but I think that it falls short in providing a truly thorough and nuanced understanding of the complex forces at play. Still, I believe much of what it talks about happened on a fundamental level, so it remains a worthwhile read for those interested in exploring the consequences of Mao Zedong's policies and their impact on the Chinese people.

("The Battle for China's Past" might be a good companion to this book.)