Phoenix: Hometown Under the Straw Sandals (Photos, Portraits)

Author: Zhu Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-02-01
Features: The phoenix possesses an appearance worthy of its name. It is beautiful, profound, and mysterious, like a story that is widely recited but whose truth no one can fully articulate. Shen Congwen brought the phoenix in his heart to the city, always referring to himself as a "countryman" before the scholarly professors in suits and ties, his humility concealing disdain. Eileen Chang depicted the glamour and restlessness of the city, while Shen Congwen described the simplicity and wilderness of the countryside. In essence, they are deeply connected. This book is a special essay written in honor of Shen Congwen's centennial birth. To write it, the author traveled to Xiangxi, Shen Congwen's hometown and the setting of his novels, following the same route Shen took. One of the book's key features is combining textual reading with geographical reading. The author's keen observation and sensitivity to the environment have led to a remarkable transformation in his understanding and interpretation of Shen Congwen and his works, differing greatly from purely academic reading.