Lost beauty

Author: Kong Sha
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: A cruel yet moving coming-of-age novel about growth, pain, and the beauty lost along the way. Dedicated to this book in memory of the joys and pains that have paved our path to adulthood, and in memory of the beauty we have lost along the way! A cruel yet moving coming-of-age novel about growth, pain, and the beauty lost along the way. The story unfolds through the and narrative perspective of "Ai Xiaoming," depicting a past of youth. The text creates a sense for readers like a grand stage where one act follows another. A cast of characters with diverse personalities takes turns appearing, performing a grand yet sorrowful "narrative of youth." Undoubtedly, "Wang Yang," "Ji Tingyu," and "Yin Na" are key narrative points in the story. The other characters are more like the figures in Mr. Lao She's play "Teahouse"—"come when called, go when dismissed," filled with narrative freedom and uncertainty. For example, the character "Xiao Yu." The protagonist, "Ai Xiaoming," moves from a northern city to a university in the south, where she begins her life, but this is not the focus of the narrative. She has carefully laid the groundwork in her seemingly humorous writing. For instance, the first part of the work uses considerable ink to describe her extravagant youth: Yin Na's obsessive pursuit of materialism; Ji Tingyu's extraordinary personality; Wang Yang's almost fairy-tale-like love for "Ai Xiaoming"—all vivid and adorable. But this is also the origin of the tragedy. When Yin Na sells and even manipulates friendship for materialism; Ji Tingyu steals Wang Yang for love; Wang Yang's absolute obedience to "Ai Xiaoming," one dramatic scene after another unfolds: The beautiful youth is like a lovely vase placed on a high windowsill. When the wind is calm, everything is so perfect. But when a strong wind blows, it is shattered to pieces.