"Grass House---A Pure Beauty Novel Series by Cao Wenxuan"

Author: Cao Wenxuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The Grass House (Novel) has won: National Book Award, Ice Heart Literature Award Grand Prize, Taiwan’s "Best Children’s Book Award" for Good Books for Everyone, National Excellent Children’s Literature Award by the China Writers Association, and the 5th Song Qingling Children’s Literature Award. The Grass House (Film) has won: 19th Golden Rooster Award for Best Screenplay in China, 8th China Golden Calf Award for Outstanding Screenplay, Special Jury Prize “Golden Butterfly” at the 14th Tehran Film Festival, and “Bronze Lion” Award at the 13th Giffoni Film Festival in Italy.
The story of The Grass House is set roughly in the early 1960s, a period marked by intense political movements in China. However, The Grass House avoids political undertones, with no scenes related to political events. It portrays the world through the eyes of a young boy, showcasing the simple customs and traditions of the 1960s while subtly conveying a sense of melancholy. In some ways, it resembles Xiao Wu’s Summer, both being nostalgic reflections of childhood. The difference lies in the protagonist’s younger age in The Grass House, making his world appear more innocent and beautiful—despite the misfortunes he witnesses.
In reality, the film reflects a unique Chinese emotion: the bond between father and son, friends, family, camaraderie, and teacher-student relationships. There is also a love story in the film, but it ends tragically. Their separation is not due to the father’s greed or the protagonist’s mistakes—it is simply a matter of fate. None of this is influenced by political factors. The Grass House stands as a rare exception, despite being categorized as a "children’s film." Unlike typical children’s films, which often serve as vehicles for moral lessons, The Grass House is refreshingly free of such didacticism. The concept of "time" in the film is stagnant, presenting a story that is romantic, melancholic, and tender. The overall tone is somber, with each character facing misfortune, yet their struggles are portrayed with a poignant beauty, much like the gentle spring rain of Jiangnan—soft yet profound.
This is a high-quality young adult novel. It tells the story of a boy named Sang Sang, whose six years of primary school life leave an indelible mark on him. During these six years, he witnesses or participates in a series of ordinary yet heart-wrenching and moving events: the flawless innocence between young boys and girls, the tragic yet graceful struggle of an unfortunate youth against fate, the unwavering dignity of a disabled boy, the shining humanity of an elderly person in their final moments, the profound and beautiful understanding of life through death, and the enigmatic yet poetic emotional entanglements between adults. All of this unfolds clearly yet ambiguously in the world of the young protagonist.
These six years are also his formative years of life education. The novel’s style is refined, filled with beauty from beginning to end. The narrative is both playful and solemn, with a unique and innovative structure and a plot that is intricate yet clever. The compassion that permeates the work becomes even more precious and moving in today’s world, where relationships are increasingly distant and emotions grow colder. The storytelling is clear yet profound, making it a children’s literature that both children and adults can enjoy.