Knowledge is in

Author: Zhang Jie
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: This is a major novel written by the renowned female author Zhang Jie after her second win of the Mao Dun Literature Prize. A man who nearly lost his life in a desert storm accidentally acquires half of an ancient painting. Each of the collection seals on the painting reveals its extraordinary origin, yet seems to hold a hidden mystery. Who was the painter? Where is the other half? The novel revolves around the ancient painting. One encounter after another, seemingly unrelated, weaves together the painting's turbulent journey through the world; generations of collectors are connected by unclear yet intricate ties. No one knows that the painting originates from a tragic and fierce love story, yet those associated with it often face a troubled fate. Is it fate, or is there a hidden conspiracy? The novel describes suspenseful plots with pure literary style, revealing thrills amidst simplicity, and conveying the passage of time with vividness. It showcases the author's unique imagination and exploration of the "other side," expressing her reflections on "knowledge" and "being," with an intangible yet profound "Zen" essence. In a concise and refined manner, rarely seen in major novels, it presents a bizarre and mysterious story that is ethereal, captivating, and deeply moving. The reading experience is exhilarating, grand, and thought-provoking. Unlike Zhang Jie's previous works, this novel reveals an unknown "other side" of her literary creation. We see the persistent exploration of this seasoned literary figure on the path of storytelling, and her latest masterpiece that offers a fresh and innovative perspective.