It’s good to hear of this author. My husband and I spent the summer of 1988 in China with a Christian college ministry, and we have been following events in China ever since.
Speaking with his US publisher, Yan Lianke said it feels like the Cultural Revolution again. That could be overstated, but the recent clamping down has echoes of it.
A nice essay and a reminder that fiction - and the imagination - are not just pastimes but can help bring new realities into being. And bravo to Yan for finding his writer's way.
Thank you for this. I'm so glad to learn about Yan Lianke!
It’s fun to share him. I only discovered him a few months ago.
It’s good to hear of this author. My husband and I spent the summer of 1988 in China with a Christian college ministry, and we have been following events in China ever since.
Speaking with his US publisher, Yan Lianke said it feels like the Cultural Revolution again. That could be overstated, but the recent clamping down has echoes of it.
Reminds me a bit of Hans Fallada (the everyday working class figure under a totalitarian regime angle)
I’m not familiar with him. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for lifting this up.
My pleasure!
A nice essay and a reminder that fiction - and the imagination - are not just pastimes but can help bring new realities into being. And bravo to Yan for finding his writer's way.
Yes, I can hardly imagine the psychological, social, political gymnastics necessary to manage what he does.
I am putting this author on my list. Excellent essay!
Thanks, JB! The Day the Sun Died is a trip!