The Path of 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 does everything possible to stay in the provincial capital's government agency, embarking on a journey driven by desire. To change his humble status, he is determined to rise through the ranks and marry a beautiful city woman of high social standing. 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 ever-growing desires, and his personality deteriorates once again.
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 from The Red and the Black.
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 does everything possible to stay in the provincial capital's government agency, embarking on a journey driven by desire. To change his humble status, he is determined to rise through the ranks and marry a beautiful city woman of high social standing. 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 ever-growing desires, and his personality deteriorates once again.
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 from The Red and the Black.