Fortress Besieged

Author: Qian Zhongshu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-03-01
Features: This is an interesting book. To be precise, it is a wise book, because its interestingness stems from the insight and satire of a wise man into human nature. The fundamental nature of this hairless, two-legged creature, the actual awkwardness and predicament of human life, and the unconsciousness or complacency about it, or even helplessness despite some awareness, occasionally deeply wounded by it— the author has profound insight into all this. The eating, bickering, and jealousy in the first half of the novel are particularly laced with satire; and when we see Sanlu University, the sharpness of the satire becomes more prominent. In the latter part of the novel, Fang Hongjian returns to Shanghai, his former friends or rivals have scattered, and his talent also diminishes, with more difficulty in making a living. After reading Qian's works, including his academic writings, especially this Fortress Besieged, you will feel that everything around you, including yourself, and even some things you used to be quite enthusiastic about, have taken on a considerable comedic hue.