Xu Fu's Eastward Crossing (Volumes 1 and 2)

Author: Li Yanxiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The long historical novel Xu Fu's Eastward Journey takes Xu Fu's life as its main thread, presenting from multiple angles, perspectives, and dimensions the formation and evolution of Xu Fu's overseas exploration ideology. It highly praises Xu Fu for using the guise of seeking immortality and herbs for Qin Shi Huang as a cover to establish a state overseas, developing Penglai—Japan, and enabling Japan to leap from the Stone Age (Jomon period) to the Metal Age (Yayoi period). The book vividly describes the grand and tumultuous battle scenes, unique martial arts sequences, compelling and love stories, touching and heartfelt portrayals of friendship and family, extravagant and decadent imperial lives, the tragic songs of the destitute common people, the perilous and arduous cross-sea voyages, the hardships of developing in a foreign land, and the joyous celebrations of establishing a state in a foreign land. In the end, Xu Fu finally achieves his goal of laughing in Penglai, bound by his connection to the sacred mountain—becoming an envoy of friendship between China, Japan, and Korea, and a great ancient Chinese navigator. The novel successfully portrays a host of vivid and well-developed characters, including Xu Fu, Chunyu Lan, Bian Shu, Xu Lu, Jing Liang, Zhou Lin, Shi Han, Youzi, A Chen, Qin Shi Huang, Li Si, and Hou Sheng. The book's distinctive features include its numerous characters, grand scenes, dramatic and fluctuating plots, constant conflicts, and gripping tension. Especially noteworthy is its breaking free from the shackles of revenge and the cycle of "an eye for an eye," highlighting the creative philosophy of moving people with emotions, offering readers a fresh and novel experience.