The Man Who Stayed Behind

Why it’s on the list: The memoir of the American who joined the Chinese Communist Party, worked alongside its leadership, and spent sixteen years in solitary confinement at its hands.

Where I saw it: A reply to @typesfast’s question on X, June 5, 2025 — “What’s the best history book you’ve read?” — recovered from that thread and saved to Kyle’s Apple Note “Books To Read”. Thread: https://x.com/typesfast/status/1930617097068912787

Connections

• What’s the best history book… (tweet) — the saved thread this recommendation came from.
• China
• History