Entanglement of Water and Fire

Author: Chi Li
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Chi Li, a wise and subtle contemporary Chinese female writer, presents another new work! This is a novel about youth growth, a novel about urban growth—during the two decades at the end of the 20th century, Chinese cities underwent dramatic changes. Every aspect of society and every corner of urban life were vividly brought before us. The novel offers sharp insights into ideals and pursuits, conflicts and mistakes, the choices between the soul and the body.
In the early 1980s, the male and female protagonists, Gao Yong and Zeng Mangmang, met. Both were simple, sensitive, introverted, and harbored beautiful yet hollow life ideals deeply within themselves. In the confined environment dictated by the times, they embarked on a journey of love and marriage. The entire process of their marriage was filled with conflicts, clashes, excitement, understanding, misunderstanding, and misunderstandings, as well as unexpected twists and turns in their relationships. Over 18 years, they grew from innocence to maturity, gaining many lessons and wisdom. Yet, they seemed even more difficult and complex. However, they their individuality and ideals. As a result, the joy, relief, bitterness, and meaning of life shone with a captivating light from every crease of existence.
This is a novel about youth growth, a novel about life growth, and a novel about urban growth. From 1980 to 1998, it was an era of dramatic changes in Chinese cities. Every aspect of society and every corner of urban life were vividly depicted. The novel offers delicate yet sharp observations on ideals and pursuits, conflicts and mistakes, the soul and the body. The abundant details drawn from life are vivid and precise, imbued with a sense of ease, composure, wit, and sharpness.