Destined

Author: Jian You
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: A science fiction novel about Chinese students in the UK, where a scholar solves the mystery of Stonehenge. Destiny, is another unique perspective on after the documentary literature Drifting (Contemporary World Publishing, June 2004). Compared to Drifting, which depicts a realistic portrayal of Chinese students in the UK, Destiny constructs a vertical profile of Chinese students in the UK. Destiny chooses Stonehenge in the UK—a world mystery similar to the Egyptian pyramids. The author uses a "science fiction" approach to set the protagonist conducting research on Stonehenge, and under a magical coincidence, "solves" the ancient mystery. The "academic conclusion" is both beyond reality and thought-provoking. The author Jian You's fondness for mysterious human culture is the reason she chose Stonehenge to express her concern for human culture. Destiny is for her an imaginative exploration and a literary creation attempt. Interpreting the emotions of Chinese students and scholars in the UK is another literary perspective of Destiny. The author constructs multiple typical scenes of emotions among international students, endowing the male and female protagonists with emotional resonance through academic pursuits. She deliberately highlights the classic way of love, transforming it from the spiritual to the heart, achieving a beautiful expression. Destiny's unique understanding of the essence of life—wisely perceiving life, where destiny lies in—fully expresses the author's ideals.