logo

57 pages 1 hour read

Son of the Revolution

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1983

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Liang Heng, Judith Shapiro

Son of the Revolution

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1983
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

China • 1960s-1970s

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

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.

Informative

Mysterious

Melancholic

Challenging

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,060 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Son of the Revolution?

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.

4.3

1,060 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

China • 1960s-1970s

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.