A Unique Individual — A Portrait of Wang Xiaobo

Author: Li Yinhe
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Wang Xiaobo—a unique name, a highly acclaimed and pursued contemporary writer, who has never been followed by so many young people voluntarily as his "disciples." He even became many people's literary mentor and spiritual leader, his advocacy against "ignorance" and "boredom" became the life creed of countless young people, and further evolved into the widely and cherished values and aesthetic principles of this era. His novels have contributed the highest reading pleasure that modern Chinese fiction has ever achieved, showing people a completely different world, making them realize: Oh, novels can be written like this. In his essays, the absence of boredom is accompanied by humor and sparkling wisdom, revealing another realm of life to people, showing them the path to a wise life. His childlike innocence compels people to involuntarily shower him with praise and affection. He is so genuine, ordinary, pure, and uncompetitive, making cunning writers pale in comparison. He understands the true meaning and essence of life better than anyone else. His sudden departure plunged people into boundless reminiscence and longing. To some extent, his thoughts embody the spirit of today's era. On the eighth anniversary of his passing, Ms. Li Yinhe, Wang Xiaobo's wife, is compiling the "A Singular and Unconventional Person—Wang Xiaobo Photobiography" to be published by Dazhong Literature and Art Publishing House. The Beijing Lu Xun Museum will also hold a one-month exhibition of Wang Xiaobo's life, a first-of-its-kind event for contemporary Chinese writers. "A Singular and Unconventional Person—Wang Xiaobo Photobiography" includes recollections by Wang Meng, Zhou Guoping, Zhang Yuan, Huang Jiwei, Li Yinhe, and others, as well as articles by Wang Xiaobo's family and his own most representative works, fully showcasing his spiritual world and inner life. Released alongside the book is a documentary titled "In Search of the Golden Age," which collects the only recorded images and audio of Wang Xiaobo during his lifetime. This will bring immense joy and excitement to the millions of Xiaobo fans, allowing them to see a real, living Wang Xiaobo, speaking normally about life, novels, culture, and other topics. It is said that those who preview the documentary are deeply moved and sorrowful. Though he has been gone for many years, people had only imagined him through his words. Now, readers can see him alive, and some are even moved to tears. However, Wang Xiaobo was an optimist. Optimism is both a skill and a social virtue. He would surely prefer more people to live better rather than mourn him. This book and the documentary embody the boundless love and sincere emotions people hold for him. For a singular and unconventional person, for one who truly loves, is wise, rational, pursues freedom and happiness, and has a kind and genuine soul, the Golden Age will always belong to him. "Everyone says Xiaobo is smart, but I see much foolishness in him. Yet behind his foolishness lies his perseverance and character." This is how his mother, Song Hua, saw Wang Xiaobo. Though he passed away young, for a singular and unconventional person, for one who truly loves, is wise, rational, pursues freedom and happiness, and has a kind and genuine soul, the Golden Age will always belong to him. You may have read Wang Xiaobo, but you may not have truly "seen" or "heard" him. The accompanying CD with the book records his images and audio, as if the Wang Xiaobo who was always on everyone's lips has turned over and returned. He is there, speaking normally about life, novels, culture, and other topics.