In desire

Author: Wang Da Jin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The paths of the world, one of which follows you. Power lies in all the signs of the earth. — (French) Saint-John Perse
This is the story of a university student from a rural background struggling in society and ultimately achieving "success." Upon graduating, the young student Deng Yiqun refuses to submit to fate and goes to great lengths to stay in the provincial capital's government agency, embarking on a journey driven by desire. He yearns to elevate his humble status and marry a beautiful city woman from a prominent family. In the process, he endures pain and torment, distorts his soul, and betrays his integrity. Though he seems to have achieved everything he wanted, he cannot control his insatiable desires, and his personality deteriorates further.
With its intricate plot, straightforward narration, vivid details, and well-paced language, the novel portrays a unique character in the gallery of contemporary Chinese literature—a struggling and frenzied figure who has become a machine of desire. Critics have called him the modern-day Julien Sorel, the protagonist of The Red and the Black.
This book tells the story of a young university student from a rural background who struggles in society and ultimately achieves "success." After graduating, Deng Yiqun refuses to accept fate's and does everything in his power to stay in the provincial government agency. Within the agency, he is a humble figure, determined to rise through the ranks. Through numerous trials and anxieties, he sacrifices his morality and eventually marries a city woman, becoming a section chief.