Memoirs of a Revolutionary

Synopsis

A New York Review Books Original
 
Victor Serge is one of the great men of the 20th century -and one of its great writers too. He was an anarchist, an agitator, a revolutionary, an exile, a historian of his times, as well as a brilliant novelist, and in Memoirs of a Revolutionary he devotes all his passion and genius to describing this extraordinary-and exemplary-career. Serge tells of his upbringing among exiles and conspirators, of his involvement with the notorious Bonnot Gang and his years in prison, of his role in the Russian Revolution, and of the Revolution's collapse into despotism and terror. Expelled from the Soviet Union, Serge went to Paris, where he evaded the KGB and the Nazis before fleeing to Mexico. Memoirs of a Revolutionary recounts a thrilling life on the front lines of history and includes vivid portraits not only of Trotsky, Lenin, and Stalin but of countless other figures who struggled to remake the world.
   Peter Sedgwick's fine translation of Memoirs of a Revolutionary was abridged when first published in 1963. This is the first edition in English to present the entirety of Serge's book.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Roots of Revolution

* Introduction: Estela Barnes, a young Mexican-American woman, reflects on her journey as a revolutionary.
* Background: Barnes' upbringing in a poor, working-class neighborhood in Los Angeles, where she witnessed police brutality and social injustice.
* Awakening: Her experiences push her towards activism and a desire for change.

Example: Barnes recalls an incident where police officers arrested her father unjustly, sparking outrage within the community and igniting her passion for fighting against oppression.

Chapter 2: Joining the Movement

* Barnes encounters a group of young revolutionaries called the Brown Berets.
* Through the Berets, she learns about the history of Mexican-American struggle, anti-imperialism, and revolutionary theory.
* She becomes actively involved in protests, community organizing, and political education.

Example: Barnes participates in a non-violent protest against the Vietnam War, facing police harassment and arrests.

Chapter 3: The Chicano Movement and the War

* The Chicano Movement gains momentum in the 1960s, advocating for civil rights, education, and self-determination.
* Barnes and the Berets play a key role in the Chicano Moratorium against the Vietnam War.
* The government's violent response to the Moratorium deepens Barnes' commitment to the cause.

Example: Barnes witnesses soldiers opening fire on protesters, resulting in multiple deaths, including the tragic killing of journalist Rubén Salazar.

Chapter 4: Underground and Resistance

* After the violent crackdown, Barnes goes underground to avoid arrest.
* She continues her work as an organizer and educator, training others to carry on the movement.
* Barnes faces surveillance, harassment, and physical attacks from law enforcement.

Example: Barnes and her comrades are infiltrated by a government agent, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of several members.

Chapter 5: Revolution and Renewal

* Despite setbacks, Barnes' revolutionary spirit remains strong.
* She reflects on the successes and failures of the Chicano Movement, recognizing the complexities of social change.
* Barnes remains dedicated to the struggle for justice and equality, mentoring young activists and continuing to inspire future generations.

Example: Barnes mentors a young Mexican-American student who becomes a prominent community organizer, carrying on the legacy of the Chicano Movement.