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36 STEPS: A Memoir
“You’ll understand when you’re older.”
Adults often say their world is too complicated for children to understand. Shirong Wang isn’t sure if this is entirely true; not only are kids more keen than people realize, their emotions are also more intact than those of adults, who often make things more confusing than they have to be.
During the first few years of the Cultural Revolution, Wang struggled to keep his footing after his family was caught in the whirlwind of “class struggle.” Friends changed, classmates grew distant, and his neighborhood was painted more brightly-red than ever before. Only an all-powerful god or deity could restore his family, his neighborhood, into what once was, but things don’t always turn out the way we want them to.
Now an “adult,” Wang picks up the pen to grasp at the answers he desperately sought as a child when his family was slowly picked apart. What began as a series of anecdotes to commemorate his parents quickly spiraled out of control. Scenes from his childhood sprouted in his head like a never-ending movie, finally pausing at the memory of his mother, asking for a hug the day before ending her life.
Adults often say their world is too complicated for children to understand. Shirong Wang isn’t sure if this is entirely true; not only are kids more keen than people realize, their emotions are also more intact than those of adults, who often make things more confusing than they have to be.
During the first few years of the Cultural Revolution, Wang struggled to keep his footing after his family was caught in the whirlwind of “class struggle.” Friends changed, classmates grew distant, and his neighborhood was painted more brightly-red than ever before. Only an all-powerful god or deity could restore his family, his neighborhood, into what once was, but things don’t always turn out the way we want them to.
Now an “adult,” Wang picks up the pen to grasp at the answers he desperately sought as a child when his family was slowly picked apart. What began as a series of anecdotes to commemorate his parents quickly spiraled out of control. Scenes from his childhood sprouted in his head like a never-ending movie, finally pausing at the memory of his mother, asking for a hug the day before ending her life.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
July 27, 2026
36 Steps tells two compelling stories at once. The first is the story of the Chinese Cultural Revolution, seen through the eyes of a child growing up as the political system changes gradually and then suddenly around him. Shirong does an excellent job of helping the reader understand how sweeping political movements affect ordinary people and how quickly accepted norms can be overturned.
The second story is that of his family. Once a prosperous, educated family whose success became a liability under the new order, they are gradually stripped of status, security, and opportunity as they become targets of "class struggle." Watching their descent from privilege into poverty and persecution is both heartbreaking and fascinating.
The most tragic part of the book is the fate of Shirong's mother, whose death was her escape from the torture and humiliation inflicted by the Red Guards. His father endured detention and persecution but managed to survive with his dignity intact, even influencing two men responsible for his reeducation, who eventually became his friends.
As the youngest child, Shirong is supported by his older brother and sister, who help hold the family together through unimaginable circumstances. His sister, in particular, carries a tremendous burden as she assumes many of their mother's responsibilities.
Beyond being a remarkable family memoir, 36 Steps is a cautionary tale about how political systems can reshape people's lives. I found myself reflecting on parallels to today's political climate and the importance of protecting institutions, civil discourse, and individual freedoms. A moving, thought-provoking, and expertly told story.
The second story is that of his family. Once a prosperous, educated family whose success became a liability under the new order, they are gradually stripped of status, security, and opportunity as they become targets of "class struggle." Watching their descent from privilege into poverty and persecution is both heartbreaking and fascinating.
The most tragic part of the book is the fate of Shirong's mother, whose death was her escape from the torture and humiliation inflicted by the Red Guards. His father endured detention and persecution but managed to survive with his dignity intact, even influencing two men responsible for his reeducation, who eventually became his friends.
As the youngest child, Shirong is supported by his older brother and sister, who help hold the family together through unimaginable circumstances. His sister, in particular, carries a tremendous burden as she assumes many of their mother's responsibilities.
Beyond being a remarkable family memoir, 36 Steps is a cautionary tale about how political systems can reshape people's lives. I found myself reflecting on parallels to today's political climate and the importance of protecting institutions, civil discourse, and individual freedoms. A moving, thought-provoking, and expertly told story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review