"This intriguing novel-written by one of China's top authors, who has won literary prizes and acclaim internationally-is an important book in China and needs to be known globally. Author Liu Zhenyun's social criticism goes right up to the line that would get him censored or banned in China. The book offers not just criticism of official corruption, but also of China's pervasive new mercenary values, scam artists, and the common folks' vulnerability to scam artists. Hence the novel is not just about China but also a human comedy. This fast-paced but slow-burning farce about the everyday absurdities and challenges of day-to-day existence in China is eloquently delivered in Liu Zhenyun's usual minimalist style and faithfully rendered by the translators"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.