An indelible exploration of the Cultural Revolution and how it shapes China today, Red Memory uncovers forty years of silence through the rarely heard stories of individuals who lived through Mao's decade of madness. 'Took my breath away.' BARBARA DEMICK 'Haunting.' OLIVER BURKEMAN 'A masterpiece.' JULIA LOVELL A 13-year-old Red Guard revels in the great adventure, and struggles with her doubts. A silenced composer, facing death, determines to capture the turmoil. An idealistic student becomes the 'corpse master' . . . More than fifty years on, the Cultural Revolution's scar runs through the heart of Chinese society, and through the souls of its citizens. Stationed in Beijing for the Guardian, Tania Branigan came to realise that this brutal and turbulent decade continues to propel and shape China to this day. Yet official suppression and personal trauma have conspired in national amnesia: it exists, for the most part, as an absence. Red Memory explores the stories of those who are driven to confront the era, fearing or yearning its return. What happens to a society when you can no longer trust those closest to you? What happens to the present when the past is buried, exploited or redrawn? And how do you live with yourself when the worst is over?
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“Red Memory” is a compelling and thought-provoking book by Tania Branigan that delves deep into the collective memory and legacy of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. The book is an impressive work of non-fiction that explores the psychological and social impact of one of the most tumultuous periods in Chinese history. Branigan, a China correspondent for The Guardian, presents a gripping narrative that is both informative and enlightening.
The book begins with a brief introduction of the events that led up to the Cultural Revolution, which began in 1966 and lasted for a decade. Branigan skillfully contextualizes the political and social climate of China at the time and outlines the motives and beliefs of the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the leadership of Mao Zedong. She describes how Mao's personality cult and his vision for a new socialist society led to a period of unprecedented upheaval, which saw the rise of mass mobilization, political purges, and violent class struggle.
Branigan uses a combination of archival research and personal interviews to provide a detailed account of the experiences of the Chinese people during the Cultural Revolution. She highlights the stories of individuals from all walks of life, from factory workers to government officials, who were caught up in the turmoil of the period. Through their stories, Branigan reveals the complexity of the Cultural Revolution, including the many contradictions and ambiguities that characterized the era.
One of the strengths of “Red Memory” is the author's ability to examine the Cultural Revolution from multiple perspectives. She provides insights into the motives and actions of the CPC leadership, the experiences of ordinary people, and the impact of the Cultural Revolution on China's political, economic, and social development. Branigan also explores the role of memory and nostalgia in shaping China's cultural and political landscape today.
The writing in “Red Memory” is clear and concise, making it accessible to both casual readers and scholars alike. The book is well-researched and balanced, providing a nuanced and complex portrayal of the Cultural Revolution. Branigan's use of personal narratives adds depth and emotion to the historical events, making them more relatable and engaging.
Overall, “Red Memory” is an outstanding book that sheds new light on one of the most significant periods in Chinese history. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the Cultural Revolution and its lasting impact on China and the world. Branigan's insightful analysis and engaging writing style make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of modern China.
