Brother (Up)

Author: Yu Hua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Brothers tells the life stories of two brothers, Li Guangtou and Song Gang, from a small town in Jiangnan. Li Guangtou's father dies in an embarrassing accident on the same day Li Guangtou is born. On the same day, Song Gang's father, Song Fanping, bravely steps forward amidst mockery and helps Li Guangtou's mother, Li Lan, who regards him as a benefactor. Several years later, Song Gang's mother also passes away. Li Lan and Song Fanping fall in love and marry through mutual support, despite the town's disdain and ridicule. Their marriage remains deeply loving, and the adopted brothers, Li Guangtou and Song Gang, also bond closely. Li Lan goes to Shanghai for medical treatment, while the Cultural Revolution begins. Song Fanping suffers extreme cruelty, but he persistently writes letters to his ailing wife, concealing the truth and using imagined scenes of a better life to comfort her. Yet, he ultimately cannot escape a tragic death. Li Lan mourns for Song Fanping, not washing her hair for seven years, while Li Guangtou and Song Gang grow up together, caring for each other.