Matters of the earth

Author: Chen Guanxue
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: It is not only a writer but also a person who truly dwells on the land. Chen Guanxue turned to the mountains and forests, not out of an identity with "the countryside," but to prove through his actions that there is another way of survival and living. Unlike Sanmao, his choice was the result of a thorough examination of the mortal world, a sense of despair, and an absolute surrender to the mountains, seeking rebirth in the embrace of nature. — Fan Peisong (Professor, School of Literature, Suzhou University)
Like Fabre's ten-volume The Insect World, which meticulously studied the ecology of insects with sharp observation and creative methods, Chen Guanxue's work also exhaustively records the seasonal changes of Taiwan's wild birds, wild plants, and ecological landscapes, imbued with a passion for this land. In the history of Taiwan's prose over the past thirty-plus years, which has focused on the beauty of nature but lacked soul-stirring depth, Chen Guanxue's work stands out as a uniquely local and exceptional prose masterpiece. — Ye Shitao (Renowned Taiwanese critic)
This series of pastoral diaries is a carefully crafted prose without any trace of artifice, with a clear, straightforward, and rustic style—truly excellent Chinese prose. With innocent thought and creativity, it reveals many profound insights, making the reader "lose themselves in the joy of nature" and inspiring a desire to return to one's true self, unintentionally awakening the power of self-transcendence and purification. — Wu Sanlian Literary Award Evaluation (November 1986)
The core narrative of this book, of course, is "the countryside" and "autumn." However, the publisher renamed it "Matters of the Earth," which is also quite accurate. Regarding the countryside, Chinese literati throughout the ages have repeatedly sung its praises. Since Tao Yuanming, pastoral narratives have become the primary writing path for disheartened scholars. Yet, in their works, "the countryside" is merely a spiritual illusion. Their lyrical focus is mainly to express their disillusionment with official life and unfulfilled ambitions. Amidst their supposed contentment, there is often a hint of artificiality and unwillingness. In such a state of mind, no matter how beautiful the countryside or how bountiful the earth, they may not truly have the inclination to observe and enjoy it—more often, they are likely listening intently for the sound of horse hooves from the capital, hoping for news of their reinstatement or promotion.
But Chen Guanxue, who has lived in the countryside of Pingtung, Taiwan for many years, is different. His return to his homeland and embrace of the countryside are marked by a serenity and ease others lack, while also carrying a profound understanding and wisdom about the world. Thus, his words are natural and pure. This book is written with leisure and composure, so its prose deeply embodies the essence of the genre. Its appearance restores the unique charm of prose as a free, natural, and unadorned literary form.