'To Live' by Yu Hua follows the poignant journey of Fugui, a once-wealthy landowner whose life spirals into hardship after gambling away his fortune. Forced to confront the harsh realities of existence, he experiences the joys and sorrows of family life amid the tumultuous backdrop of 20th-century China. As he loses everything, Fugui discovers the profound meaning of resilience and the beauty of living in the moment. The narrative is a powerful exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure against overwhelming odds. Will Fugui find redemption in a life marred by loss, or will he be consumed by despair?
By Yu Hua
Published: 2003
""To live is to suffer, but to endure is to find meaning in that suffering.""
Originally banned in China but later named one of that nation’s most influential books, a searing novel that portrays one man’s transformation from the spoiled son of a landlord to a kindhearted peasant. “A work of astounding emotional power.” —Dai Sijie, author of Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress From the author of Brothers and China in Ten Words: this celebrated contemporary classic of Chinese literature was also adapted for film by Zhang Yimou. After squandering his family’s fortune in gambling dens and brothels, the young, deeply penitent Fugui settles down to do the honest work of a farmer. Forced by the Nationalist Army to leave behind his family, he witnesses the horrors and privations of the Civil War, only to return years later to face a string of hardships brought on by the ravages of the Cultural Revolution. Left with an ox as the companion of his final years, Fugui stands as a model of gritty authenticity, buoyed by his appreciation for life in this narrative of humbling power.
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“"To live is to suffer, but to endure is to find meaning in that suffering."”
To Live
By Yu Hua
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Yu Hua is a renowned Chinese author celebrated for his impactful storytelling and profound exploration of the human condition. Born in 1960 in Hangzhou, China, Huazhu's literary career began in the 1980s, and he has since garnered international acclaim for his works, including 'To Live', 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant', and 'The Seventh Day'. His writing is characterized by a unique blend of tragedy and humor, often reflecting on the socio-political upheavals in China. Yu Hua's narratives delve into the complexities of life, mortality, and the resilience of the human spirit, making him a significant voice in contemporary literature.
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