Shit · Float shit like a dream

Author: Xie Liwen (Author), Liang Zhitian (Illustrator)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2008-10-05
Features: The "Shi Lao Ren" series is a set of story picture books featuring a small character named Shi Lao Ren. This unconventional image showcases the extraordinary storytelling and picture book mastery of author Xie Liwen. Xie Liwen, a renowned Hong Kong writer, gained recognition on the mainland with his picture book series "Ma Dou Ma Mai" in 2003, which moved countless young people and created a sales record in the industry. Compared to the slightly melancholic coming-of-age story of "Ma Dou Ma Mai," "Shi Lao Ren" is entirely sorrowful, with its humor reflected in the details rather than the story itself. The Hong Kong Ming Pao commented: "The comic story of 'Shi Lao Ren' encompasses tragedy, ambition, romantic sentiment, self-deprecating humor, and absurdity. The complex emotions it evokes are akin to reading a literary novel." The "Shi Lao Ren" series consists of three volumes: "Fú Shǐ Liù Jì," "Zài Lù Tú Shàng," and "Shǐ Shī Tóng Huá." In "Fú Shǐ Liù Jì" and "Zài Lù Tú Shàng," there is a longer story each, meticulously describing how a small character pursues their dreams, filled with satirical wit, yet ending in a twist of sadness. "Shǐ Shī Tóng Huá" collects short stories, telling self-deprecating fairy tales. From the poetic language of these "Shi Lao stories," we can touch upon life philosophies that are not easily perceived, carrying a powerful force of sorrow and emotion. It is precisely for this reason that "Shi Lao Ren" will be deeply loved by young people. The "Shi Lao Ren" series was published by the Beijing Library Press in June 2004. Xie Liwen, a well-known Hong Kong writer, is the author of "Ma Dou Ma Mai," the publisher of the children's magazine "Huang Batur," and "Shi Lao Ren" is his alternative work outside of "Ma Dou Ma Mai." Like the far side of the moon, Shi Lao Ren and Ma Mai are opposites yet intimately connected. Liang Zhitian, during his time studying abroad, supported himself by painting. He later dropped out of school, returned to Hong Kong to form the independent band "HUH!," serving as the lead singer and composer, releasing three albums before leaving. He secured an animation production job with his records and used the time to complete a series of illustrations with different styles for "Shi Lao Ren." He said, "I am Shi Lao Ren!" "Shi Lao Ren" is a set of story picture books featuring a small character named Shi Lao Ren, showcasing the extraordinary storytelling and picture book mastery of author Xie Liwen, a renowned Hong Kong writer. This volume, "Fú Shǐ Ruò Mèng," describes how the small character Shi Gou Captain pursues his dreams. From the poetic language of these Shi Lao stories, we can touch upon life philosophies that are not easily perceived, carrying a powerful force of sorrow and emotion.