- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Faber and Faber (2 Nov 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0571220525
- ISBN-13: 978-0571220526
- Product Dimensions: 21.4 x 13 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 582,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Daily Telegraph
A deeply political and masterfully executed novel that exposes the
inequalities driving the world's next superpower.
inequalities driving the world's next superpower.
The Times
This is gripping book, by a remarkable woman.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of those books that you grow to love as you read it. It's an easy, enjoyable read with interesting characters that you gradually come to know and like. It is full of political and cultural insights, yet is deceptively simple in its execution. There are no wasted words, and no weak parts.
The novel's protagonist is Dan, a 'reserve worker' in a factory who has not been paid for months on end. He and his wife struggle to make ends meet, until he discovers that he can make a living by posing as a journalist at corporate events. However, before long his deceit catches up with him and he discovers that as a 'journalist' the most vulnerable members of society expect him to act as their champion.
Dan is great character, very well rounded, with great flaws and great strengths. I also liked the characters of his wife, Little Plum, and the pushy journalist Happy Gao. I enjoyed reading about them. Some of the other characters could have been a little more fleshed out, but that's not a major criticism.
The storyline is good, twisting enough to keep the reader's interest, but always plausible. I never grew bored. It provides a fascinating and vivid view of life in the capital of the most populous nation in the world. I feel that I learnt a great deal about the culture and issues in modern China, whilst enjoying the story. Serious issues are explored subtly and without trying to find easy answers; of censorship, inequality between rich and poor, and of corruption.
Particularly admirable is the way Yan uses small, simple incidents to put across a much larger concept. It whispers rather than shouts. The descriptions are brilliant, evocative without being at all wordy. I was longing to try some of the banquet food described.
There is really very little to criticise in this story, and I would recommend it as a pleasurable story to any readers. It's a must for anyone with an interest in modern China, and worth reading even anyone without.
The novel's protagonist is Dan, a 'reserve worker' in a factory who has not been paid for months on end. He and his wife struggle to make ends meet, until he discovers that he can make a living by posing as a journalist at corporate events. However, before long his deceit catches up with him and he discovers that as a 'journalist' the most vulnerable members of society expect him to act as their champion.
Dan is great character, very well rounded, with great flaws and great strengths. I also liked the characters of his wife, Little Plum, and the pushy journalist Happy Gao. I enjoyed reading about them. Some of the other characters could have been a little more fleshed out, but that's not a major criticism.
The storyline is good, twisting enough to keep the reader's interest, but always plausible. I never grew bored. It provides a fascinating and vivid view of life in the capital of the most populous nation in the world. I feel that I learnt a great deal about the culture and issues in modern China, whilst enjoying the story. Serious issues are explored subtly and without trying to find easy answers; of censorship, inequality between rich and poor, and of corruption.
Particularly admirable is the way Yan uses small, simple incidents to put across a much larger concept. It whispers rather than shouts. The descriptions are brilliant, evocative without being at all wordy. I was longing to try some of the banquet food described.
There is really very little to criticise in this story, and I would recommend it as a pleasurable story to any readers. It's a must for anyone with an interest in modern China, and worth reading even anyone without.
8 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
As the female protagonist in the book put it, the Chinese society was built by peasants, ruled by peasants, and ruined by peasants. This books brings a balance account of the strengths and weaknesses of the Chinese people. While the settings have changed from stories by authors a century back during the Republic years, it's probably fair to say that Chinese society has not changed much; with the rich and powerful exploiting the poor, and the poor exploiting themselves. Nevertheless, there are always hidden veins of good and decency in between the greed and lying, as embodied in the protagonist Dan Dong.
This poignant book is depressing and reassuring at the same time.
This poignant book is depressing and reassuring at the same time.
Format:Paperback
A little gem of a book. Quirky and original - simultaneously great fun and very serious. A beautifully written and insightful social commentary on contemporary Chinese society and values. I thoroughly enjoyed every page and will definitely read more by this author.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Nice little Change
Chinese author Geling Yan writes the amusing fable tale of Dan Dong, a "reserved" factory worker, who hasn't been paid for over two months. Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2009 by S. Sutherland
A Banquet of Originality
When I borrowed this book from my local library, I had no idea what to expect. The synopsis was just so bizarre that I had to give it a go. Read more
Published on 20 July 2009 by S Brewis
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