I have read some of this novel in Chinese, and to be honest, I cannot keep reading. I was surprised actually, a writer lives in Canada or the states for such a long time, her writing is still typical Main Stream Authority Type of Chinese writing. That maybe why it won the big prize given by the Propaganda Department of the Party. I am sure this novel will be adapted into Movies or TV dramas, like her previous one. The After Shcok.

unabridaged , November 21, 2009, 6:58a.m.

Maybe she wrote it in Hakka!

Bruce, November 21, 2009, 12:17p.m.

What is the written form of Hakka? The CHINESE. Whatever the language she wrote this novel with, I am just not excited about such a official tone. But again, this is just what I think. Maybe millions of readers would love it, who knows.

unabridaged , November 21, 2009, 2:39p.m.

"the novel...is a strong contender for the 2010 Maodun Literary Award." Have they changed up the award schedule? The last go-round was in 2008, so the next one shouldn't be until 2013, right?

Re: unabridged's comments: The PKU lit journal review published a fairly in-depth critique of the novel's two-part serialization in People's Literature that concurs about its "mainstream authority" feel, commenting that its historical outlook tends to reinforce stereotypes about the homogeneity of the Chinese nation. The reviewer gives the novel points for the scope of the narrative, but knocks it for characters and details.

jdmartinsen, November 22, 2009, 8:05a.m.

Re: jdmartinsen Thanks for this link. Again, don't like any pretentious or affected way of writing. Unfortunately, there is too much this kind of writing in Chinese literature nowadays. Only few authors are worth respect. Thanks again for sharing the link.

unabridaged , November 22, 2009, 3:21p.m.