Knives and Knives: China's version of Norwegian Wood, the contemporary Catcher in the Rye (the contemporary Catcher in the Rye in China, China's version of Norwegian Wood)

Author: He Dacao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: This is a typical Chinese version of The Catcher in the Rye, holding significant value in the genre of coming-of-age novels. It sharply and accurately captures the inner turmoil, confusion, violence, indulgence, and rebellious spirit during the process of growing up, confronting human nature and stirring the soul. At the same time, it poses severe questions about the current education system and teaching methods. The novel's language is exceptional, showing remarkable skill in subtle details, such as the vivid descriptions of the sensations of a knife—truly breathtaking. It is one of the best youth novels in recent years, portraying the intensity of youth and the painful helplessness of growing up so well. The love and friendship of adolescence, the fantasies and desires of a rebellious age, seem to be endorsed by the words, suddenly revealing their truth. The bloody physical encounters and the dark, meaningless spiritual states are encountered so authentically together. I appreciate this form of monologue—it recaptures our most private youthful experiences. This novel not only helps teenagers understand themselves but also aids adults in reflecting on their own self-discovery in their youth. Tian Ying, Executive Editor of Huacheng, calls it "youthful anger, pure desires, and a compassionate heart for the suffering"; Li Jingze, Deputy Editor of People's Literature, describes it as "a cruel poem"; Fu Xiaohong, Deputy Editor of Zhongshan, says it "transcends my reading experience"; Chen Dongjie, Deputy Editor of Shiye, claims it "constantly strikes at our souls." The sincere recommendations from the editors of these four major journals present Knives and Knives with a powerful presence before me. The bright yellow cover glows with passion, contrasting with the dark "knives" depicted on it, just like the youth of the characters in the book—interwoven with brilliance and dimness, clarity and confusion.
Po-Yung High School is an average school, and He Feng is a student in Class 1, Grade 11. Although He Feng is a girl, she prefers to be called Fengzi. Her idol is the desert warrior Maimai De from a comic strip, and her lucky charm is two knives—one a Turkish curved knife given to her by her father's friend when she was 12, and the other a German military knife from her first love, Tao Tao, when she was 18. Ali, the wealthy classmate, becomes the target of everyone's envy, but Tao Tao's strength and Fengzi's sincerity make Ali become their close friend. A burly transfer student, Bao Jingsheng, arrives and challenges Tao Tao, but Tao Tao refuses to fight. Ali is forced to follow Bao Jingsheng. Fengzi is deeply disappointed by Tao Tao's weakness and they break up. Tao Tao falls in love with the class genius, Eva, and Fengzi becomes jealous and heartbroken, eventually turning to Bao Jingsheng. Another transfer student, Jin Gui, a rural kid, is often bullied by his classmates for being rough, but he listens to the class monitor Zhu Zhu and often uses his immensely strong left hand to resolve conflicts, earning him the nickname "Golden Left Hand." Fengzi and Bao Jingsheng are punished by the school for missing the midterm exam. Bao Jingsheng is expelled, but he refuses to leave. With the support of their teacher, Song Xiaodou, Tao Tao and Bao Jingsheng finally clash, and Tao Tao ultimately wins. Disheartened, Bao Jingsheng takes Ali away, but they are arrested for kidnapping. Tao Tao regains his former status in class, once again becoming Ali's leader, ordering him around. However, at this moment, Jin Gui steps forward and defeats Tao Tao with his rarely used right hand, forcing him to call Ali "grandpa." From then on, Jin Gui becomes Ali's new protector.