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Author: (British) Jeanette Winterson
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-11-01
Features: "Retelling Myths" is a global first cross-border publishing collaboration initiated by British Cannongate Publishing Company, involving renowned publishers from over 30 countries and regions, including the UK, US, China, France, Germany, Japan, and South Korea. The European media called it "a miracle in the international publishing world." So far, the series has been joined by authors such as Nobel Prize laureates, Booker Prize winners, and best-selling writers, including Kenzaburō ōe, Margaret Atwood, Chinua Achebe, José Saramago, Toni Morrison, Umberto Eco, and Chinese writer Su Tong. Chongqing Publishing House is the only participating institution in mainland China for the "Retelling Myths" project. Upon our recommendation, the renowned Chinese writer Su Tong has been invited to join the project to write "Retelling Myths – China Edition." Yes, I want to tell this story again from the beginning. Jeanette Winterson, one of the most legendary contemporary "literary women" in the UK, has brought a uniquely distinctive text to "Retelling Myths." Weight draws inspiration from the most classic stories in Greek mythology: Atlas being punished to carry the sky, Hercules taking up the burden to prove his strength; Atlas stealing apples out of a desire for freedom, Hercules, in despair, uses cunning to return them to Atlas's shoulders; Atlas accepts his fate, while the newly freed Hercules feels a profound sense of emptiness. In the 21st century, with her unique talent and timeless essence, the author once again awakens Atlas. She interweaves Atlas's love, hatred, and emotions with his subtle psychological portrayal, skillfully incorporating events like the moon landing and the Mir space station into the mythological narrative, bringing readers an utterly bizarre and unimaginable reading experience. At the same time, the author constantly questions: "What truly is freedom? What is the nature of oppression? How should we truly grasp our own fate?" The story is not only filled with imagination and creativity but also deeply relevant to modern life. Through a series of striking contrasts, Jeanette reveals the true meaning of freedom: Those who are truly free never worry about escaping!