This chapter explores the harrowing memoir of a prominent figure detailing their arrest and psychological torture in Beijing, emphasizing the emotional impact on family and friends. It also connects personal narratives of political repression with historical events in China, particularly focusing on the speaker's father's struggles during Mao's campaigns. Through these accounts, the chapter highlights the enduring themes of resilience, the cost of activism, and the complexities of familial bonds amidst political turmoil.
Ai Weiwei joins to discuss his new memoir “1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows,” depicting a century-long epic tale of China told through a story of his family.