Shangdu

Author: Wan Fangtai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: The novel draws its inspiration from the wild history of the Republic of China, unfolding a series of astonishing events in a mysterious and mystical land along the Xiang River—Xiangdu. Great thinker Wang Fuzhi rejects the grand invitation of the peasant uprising leader Zhang Xianzhong to commit wrist self-injury. The warlord Zeng family exploits the locals, causing widespread suffering, leading to rebellion. An overseas-educated intellectual, the "foreign scholar," attempts suicide by eating a river and returns to China after failing, announcing a marriage ad in the newspaper with heavy ink. The novel vividly portrays a series of striking scenes of customs, brimming with the intense social atmosphere of modern China, offering great entertainment and strong readability.