Gang of One

Memoirs of a Red Guard

By: Fan Shen

Narrated by: Kirk Winkler

In 1966 12-year-old Fan Shen, a newly minted Red Guard, plunged happily into China's Cultural Revolution. Disillusionment soon followed, then turned to disgust and fear when Shen discovered that his compatriots had tortured and murdered a doctor whose house he'd helped raid and whose beautiful daughter he secretly adored. A story of coming of age in the midst of monumental historical upheaval, Shen's Gang of One is more than a memoir of one young man's harrowing experience during a time of terror. It is also, in spite of circumstances of remarkable grimness and injustice, an unlikely picaresque tale of adventure full of courage, cunning, wit, tenacity, resourcefulness, and sheer luck - the story of how Shen managed to scheme his way through a hugely oppressive system and emerge triumphant.

Gang of One recounts how Shen escaped, again and again, from his appointed fate. His secret self-education took him from the factory to college, where friendship with an American teacher earned him the wrath of the secret police. Following a path strewn with perils and pitfalls, twists and surprises worthy of Dickens, Shen's story is ultimately an exuberant human comedy unlike any other.

©2004 Fan Shen (P)2017 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Anyone wishing to be the architect of his or her own fortune would do well to study this amazing memoir, a testament to the human spirit." ( ForeWord)

"A compulsively readable memoir....Shen's wry, anecdotal storytelling style spurs one on, as does the desire to see him through to his eventual triumph." ( Booklist)

"A book of stunning power...a high literary achievement, documenting an even greater achievement...the life of this awe-inspiring man, Fan Shen." ( National Review)

Fabulous

I have read many books about life in Communist China and North Korea and this is by far my favorite. Like the others the story is amazing but this book is written with such heart and humor it is a must read.

it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

its a great book of so many downs and a few ups. and the unstoppable determination of one man and his pursuit of democracy.

Chaz (Chop) Autonomous Zone

All those you think what's going on in Seattle currently June 2020 is a good thing should listen this audiobook. Utopia is what Communist China is trying to make happen. After you listen to this detailed account of what goes on in China you'll be happier that your living in the USA that's for sure. A little un indoctrination from what's taught in BigFedGov Public Schools is always a good thing

Needs to be read to understand what’s coming

Wow! What an intense story. I see the growing possibility of the USA being a “Maoist” type country with corporations being our “Mao.” Being compelled by corporations to believe in certain lifestyles /corporations donating to groups such as BLM. Corporations seem to be becoming as strong if not stronger than government. The corporations AND the government are getting to our children.

Again... please read with the lens of what USA could become. Let’s stop the madness!

Misery hidden by tired slogans

The story was told from the ground, rather than the 10,000-foot view. For that reason, not easy to ignore. An excellent read of youth and promise crushed by those who come to "liberate the people." A warning of woe still timely.