Oath bird

Author: Zhang Yuoran
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Unlike those "youth writers," Zhang Yuoran's stories are not merely about youthful indulgence and rebellion against tradition. Instead, they depict a careful pursuit of dreams and truths, along with deep contemplation and insights amidst the confusion of growing up. Her novels lack the fashionable cynicism often found in the works of most "youth writers," the verbose and aimless clamor, and the mere playfulness with words that still carries a student-like tone. All of this is inseparable from the depth of her thoughts. Her reflections often transcend her age, touching on many fundamental questions of human existence. While sages and scholars may not provide definitive answers to these questions, the mere reach of her thoughts to this level brings literature closer to its essence. Memory is so beautiful, worthy of a soul shattering for it.
For 700 days in the magical South Seas, Zhang Yuoran sought a broken story in historical relics, was struck by a tsunami she witnessed, and received mysterious guidance from a shell, giving birth to this magnificent and moving novel. Against the backdrop of the grand era of maritime exploration, a beautiful Chinese woman journeys far to the South Seas. The tsunami steals her memory, leaving her adrift at sea and on islands, subjected to abuse and abandonment, enduring childbirth, illness, and imprisonment. She blinds herself to search for her lost memories. The Vow Bird, also known as the Precious Bird, has white beaks and red feet, and dedicates its entire life to filling the sea, unwavering until death. Zhang Yuoran continues the themes of her previous works, recounting a myth of belief, perseverance, and resilience. The heroine's appearance resembles the Vow Bird—pale lips and crimson feet. Zhang Yuoran cruellys her to blind herself and have her nails torn off, searching the sea for every shell, reading the memories inscribed within them.
Set against the grand backdrop of the maritime exploration era, the beautiful Chinese girl Chunchi journeys far to the South Seas. The tsunami steals her memory, leaving her adrift at sea and on islands, subjected to abuse and abandonment, enduring childbirth, illness, and imprisonment. She willingly dedicates her life to finding her past. Chunchi ultimately fails to find the shell hiding her memories in the vast sea, yet she does not let her story fade into obscurity. Some say they have seen a blind woman in the ruins of the old city, sweeping over the dead like a bird, picking up shells scattered around them or held in their hands. The soldiers who invaded the Shell City all witnessed this woman dancing on collapsed wooden beams and the bodies of the dead, her crimson feet barely touching the ground. She covers the eyes of sick children, guiding them to read shells filled with joyful memories, healing them of their ailments. She is revered as a saint and considered the wealthiest woman in the world. Pirates, courtesans, eunuchs, tribal leaders, and Western priests—their fates intertwine in the magical and enchanting landscapes of the South Seas.
Continuing her elegant yet cruel pen, Zhang Yuoran adds a touch of magic, writing a tragic tale that grips the heart. Memory is so beautiful, worthy of a soul shattering for it. For 700 days in the magical South Seas, Zhang Yuoran sought a broken story in historical relics, was struck by a tsunami she witnessed, and received mysterious guidance from a shell, giving birth to this magnificent and moving novel. Against the grand backdrop of the maritime exploration era, a beautiful Chinese woman journeys far to the South Seas. The tsunami steals her memory, leaving her adrift at sea and on islands, subjected to abuse and abandonment, enduring childbirth, illness, and imprisonment. She blinds herself to search for her lost memories. Pirates, courtesans, eunuchs, tribal leaders, and Western priests—their fates intertwine in the magical and enchanting landscapes of the South Seas. Zhang Yuoran continues her elegant yet cruel pen, adding a touch of magic, writing a tragic tale that grips the heart.