Best Novel Selection of 2004 (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Cao Wenxuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book is edited by Professor Cao Wenxuan and Shao Yanjun of Peking University. All selections are based on the "Peking University Contemporary New Works Forum," which is an elective course in contemporary literature. The "Academic Year Selection 2004 Best Novel Selection" (volumes 1 and 2), edited by Cao Wenxuan and Shao Yanjun, is based on the careful study of current novels by the "Peking University Contemporary New Works Forum." Contemporary literature doctoral and master's students discuss and study the top ten contemporary literary journals, carefully read the latest literary works, praise the good ones, and critique the bad ones, leaving behind a reliable selection for the history of contemporary literature with authoritative standards, strict selection, simple stances, and close comments. In the current state of literary criticism, where praise and self-praise dominate, they construct the literary landscape with their close, simple, and healthy critical approach. In terms of structure, this book breaks the conventional division between short and medium-length fiction, and does not arrange the works based on the fame of the authors. Instead, it arranges them according to an internal logic. The first part of the first volume is approximately composed of works that adhere to realistic writing, with a deep understanding and concern for reality. The second part consists of novels that explore the artistic form of fiction. The works in the second volume combine the strengths of both, but also bring some fresh experiences and insights. This type of work is easy to read and belongs to the category of "engaging novels." Reading through the works one by one, it is still felt that the novels of that year paid more attention to the depth of reality and the depth of experience than to the exploration of form.
Xie Mian (Professor of the Chinese Department, Peking University): The academy has its own commitments, and the addition of new ideas and information is necessary for the academy to maintain its vitality. The academy's participation and involvement in literary practice are its own needs, and it can also provide a reference for the advancing literature from another perspective in terms of concepts and standards.
Hong Zicheng (Professor of the Chinese Department, Peking University): It reflects the seriousness of criticism and attempts to establish credible standards.
Chen Sihuo (Professor of the Chinese Department, Fudan University, Editor-in-Chief of Shanghai Literature): Praise the good, criticize the bad. The editor is a friend of the selection, and the reader is a confidant.
Wenrumin (Director of the Chinese Department, Peking University, Professor): Screen the best works and purify the reading atmosphere.