Book Review: A Physician’s Memoir: Growing up in Mao’s China by JianJun Chen

“The line between fact and fiction became blurred, and the distinction between good and evil was muddled. Under the banner of revolution, even acts of wrongdoing were seen as righteous. Our consciences numbed. While the face-changing in Sichuan opera is brief, the changes in us were lasting.”

JianHun Chen, A Physician’s Memoir

Review:

I knew from the title alone that this was going to be an incredible story. I haven’t done much research on Mao’s China, but I knew enough going in to know that the author likely had the odds against him.

This memoir focuses on JianJun Chen’s childhood in China. With Mao Zedong at the helm of the Communist Party, JianJun lived through the Great Chinese Famine, rationing, political upheaval and discrimination, gunfights in the streets, an ever-fluctuating school system, and living under constant fear of being accused of counterrevolutionary thoughts or behaviors. Despite all of this, JianJun pursued an education whenever possible and as he saw fit, never ceasing his independent studies in hopes of one day becoming a doctor.

JianJun’s story is an inspirational one. His story is not only about the obstacles he overcame, but also his story of coming into faith. With this spiritual growth, he makes observations throughout about what the absence of faith can cause some human beings to do. In his words, ‘Those who lack reverence for God can be truly terrifying’. This is his reflection on the brutality he witnessed as a child by the ‘Red Guards’, but also for a figure he came across later in life, Dr. Michael Swango. In the beginning, as well as towards the end of the book, the author touches upon his association with this infamous serial killer. However, he states that this story is its own book. I appreciate his decision to keep the subjects separate given this book is more history-focused rather than a work of true crime. I look forward to reading it.

Some parts of this book felt as though they were straight out of an Orwell novel. Whenever I read books from people who had to live under such oppression, I struggle to envision myself living under the same circumstances. I have been blessed not to know a life like this, and my heart absolutely breaks for anyone who has ever had to.

The history presented is explained well and clearly, but I also appreciated the inclusion of a glossary for later reference. I learned a lot, and I would like to expand my knowledge about this time and region. I thoroughly enjoy learning about history through the stories of people who experienced it firsthand, especially if it’s my introduction to a subject. Sometimes, historical textbooks leave out the nuances and day-to-day lives of the individual people who were there. It’s been an honor being able to read JianJun Chen’s story.

Thanks to Reedsy Discovery for providing a free digital ARC of the book!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Engaging writing not bogged down by passages of dry facts.
• Inspiring.
• Great pacing.

What I didn’t like:

• For some, the blurb might be misleading, as this book doesn’t discuss Dr. Michael Swango in depth (but, as I mentioned in my review, the book mentions plans for a second book which appears to already be published on Amazon).

Afterthoughts:

I’ve had a book about Mao’s regime sitting on my bookshelf for a little while now. I need to move it higher up on my TBR.

Where to buy the book: