Red gate

Author: Lin Yutang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Lin Yutang collectively referred to the three novels "The House of Earth," "Beijing Smog," and "The Sound of the Wind and the Crows" as the "Lin Yutang Trilogy." These works share an intrinsic spiritual connection, embodying the author's cultural and life ideals. The 300,000-word "The House of Earth" adopts a straightforward narrative structure in both plot and character development, primarily following the romantic experiences of Du Ruo'an, a female student at a normal college, and Li Fei, a reporter from Shanghai's "New Gazette" stationed in Xi'an. Set against the social backdrop of northwestern China in the early 1930s, the novel portrays the conflict between good and evil, as well as the struggle between justice and injustice. The plot is full of twists and turns, making it deeply engaging and thought-provoking. The characters in this book are entirely fictional, much like those in all his novels, drawing inspiration from real life but being composite figures. It is highly unlikely that anyone would believe themselves to be the original version of any of the warlords, adventurers, swindlers, or playboys in this book. If a lady imagines herself to know any of the famous ladies or favored concubines in the book, or even if she has had similar experiences herself, that is entirely unimportant.
Lin Yutang collectively referred to the novels "Beijing Smog," "The Sound of the Wind and the Crows," and "The House of Earth" as the "Lin Yutang Trilogy" because they share an intrinsic spiritual connection, embodying the author's cultural and life ideals. The novel follows the romantic experiences of Du Ruo'an, a refined young lady from a prominent family, and Li Fei, a reporter from Shanghai's "New Gazette" stationed in Xi'an, against the backdrop of northwestern China in the early 1930s. It portrays the conflict between good and evil, as well as the struggle between justice and injustice. Li Fei is a passionate and ambitious young man who loves life, while Du Ruo'an is a determined and courageous female university student. Amidst the turbulent years of war, Du Ruo'an, with child, travels thousands of miles to Lanzhou to rescue Li Fei. After enduring the trials of war and hardship, the lovers finally come together. Lin Yutang's writing is light and humorous, with concise language that vividly depicts life scenes, full of life wisdom and often revealing profound insight.