Lu was taken away and thrown down a mining well, where guards trying to force him to recant his criticism of Mao, beat him with metal pipes. He refused and two months later -- in July 1968 -- his 11-year stint in jail began.
That Lu even survived to write his book is a twist of fate nearly as irrational as how the movement plunged an entire nation into its campaign of violence, brutality and paranoia.
In 1977 -- after a decade in prison -- Lu was suddenly exonerated when just one day away from a final hearing that would have sealed his execution.
"The central government sent down a notice saying the case could not proceed," Lu said.
Lu said he did not feel regret when he reflects on his role as a Red Guard.
"I just feel ashamed. I should have been able to see the real purpose of the Cultural Revolution," he said.
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