As I recall

Author: Eileen Chang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The backdrop of Eileen Chang's novels is desolation. Eileen Chang's desolation is a pessimistic lament, a feminine sensitivity and delicacy. Grand themes such as the era, the nation, and revolution are condensed into a scene or corner of family life. The vast waves of society are distant and fleeting, while the ordinary joys and sorrows of ordinary men and women endure. It is the twists and turns, the ups and downs that form the essence of life. The doorbell rang, and I went to open the door. Standing there was a woman who was extremely beautiful, her beauty clichéd. Big eyes, small mouth, a cat-like face with a roundness that tapered to a point. She wore a light gray fine overcoat, loosely draped over her shoulders, holding a large bouquet of orchids, lilies, and pearl orchids. She was a little older, but her fatigue seemed unrelated to her—perhaps the lighting was poor, or I had just finished reading an article printed in six-point font. "Is it Eileen?" she said, "Do you not recognize me?"
Yin Baoyan was two grades higher than me in school, so although we had never spoken, I remembered her very clearly. She looked shorter than before, perhaps because I had grown taller.