Son of the Revolution by Liang Heng and Judith Shapiro recounts Liang’s journey growing up amid the Cultural Revolution in China, addressing the significant political and cultural turmoil that ensued following the Communist Party's rise to power. Liang’s family faces persecution due to political accusations, and he navigates complex relationships and societal pressures while staying loyal to Party ideals before pursuing higher education and an international future.

Son of the Revolution by Liang Heng and Judith Shapiro offers an intense, personal account of growing up during China's Cultural Revolution. Readers commend its raw honesty and evocative storytelling. Critics note that while it provides valuable historical insight, the narrative can sometimes feel one-sided and lacks broader context. Overall, it's praised for its emotional impact and vivid details.

Readers interested in memoirs about personal resilience amidst political turmoil would enjoy Son of the Revolution by Liang Heng and Judith Shapiro. Comparable to Wild Swans by Jung Chang and The Diary of Anne Frank, it appeals to those intrigued by firsthand accounts of historical events and cultural revolutions.

Informative / Mysterious / Melancholic / Challenging / Unnerving

- Son of the Revolution was co-authored by Liang Heng, who experienced life during the Cultural Revolution, and Judith Shapiro, an American scholar and journalist, who collaborated to present a unique perspective.
- The book offers a rare insider view into China's Cultural Revolution, providing personal stories and reflections that highlight the dramatic changes and upheavals of that time.

**Liang Heng**  
Born in 1954, he is the memoir's coauthor and protagonist, growing up during China's Cultural Revolution, experiencing its challenges, and documenting his journey toward intellectual independence and personal growth.  

**Liang Shan**  
Liang Heng’s father, an intellectual and editor co-founding the Hunan Daily Communist newspaper, initially a staunch supporter of the Party whose beliefs are challenged by the Cultural Revolution.  

**Liang’s Mother**  
A cadre in the Changsha Public Security Bureau and a strong-willed individual initially devoted to the Party, whose life is dramatically altered by the consequences of the Hundred Flowers Movement.  

**Liang Fang**  
Liang Heng’s elder sister, intelligent and devoted to the Communist Party, participating fervently in the Revolution as a Red Guard and moving through various roles dictated by her political beliefs.  

**Liang Wei-ping**  
The middle sibling in the Liang family, known for her domestic care and dedication to her family, navigating the challenges brought on by the Cultural Revolution.  

**Peng Ming**  
An older neighbor admired by Liang Heng, a dedicated Revolutionary Rebel, and Red Guard leader who inspires Liang with his commitment and pursuit of personal development.  

**Little Gao**  
A train conductress and Liang Heng's first serious love, known for her selflessness and a relationship with Liang that is challenged by her father's views.  

**Judy Shapiro**  
A languages teacher at the Hunan Teachers' College and coauthor of the memoir, whose relationship with Liang brings him personal happiness and new opportunities for education and growth.

  Liang Heng

Judith Shapiro

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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