Western Frontiers Past (The 200-Year Family Memory of the Last Prince of Xinjiang)

Author: Xu Fulu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The mystery of the Western Regions and the depth of history cast a paradoxical cultural and humanistic significance over this war story, which follows the history of an ancient Uyghur royal family. As we wander through it, we may experience the unique spiritual charm of the work in a rich sense of disorientation. – Zhu Qiangxian (Renowned military literature critic)
A good novel is like a rare metal, often hidden in remote places unknown to many. A great writer is like an explorer, enduring the wind and rain, relentless in their pursuit. In the process, some may die in the wilderness, while others stumble upon a stone, their eyes light up, inspiration surges, and a new land blooms with brilliance, giving birth to a remarkable novel. Xu Fulu writes novels infrequently, sitting on the bench for ten cold years, yet his novels are truly brilliant. – Xu Guixiang (Renowned military-themed literature writer, author of The Sky of History)
The war stories between the Western Region royal family and the Qing Empire, as described by the military-themed writer Xu Fulu, unfold as magnificent scrolls filled with historical legends and a touch of romantic bloodshed. Reading about the Western Regions, specifically the history, geography, religion, wars, and the memories of a family that has slept for over 200 years – all of this is a satisfying and anticipated spiritual journey. – Liu Liangcheng (Renowned essayist, author of A Village of One Person)
The vast and mysterious western region of China has been shrouded in a bloody story for 200 years. When the sound of the Qing army’s hooves awakened the ghosts that roamed the land of Junggar, an inevitable human tragedy was set in motion. The treacherous submission and betrayal of the Big and Small Heshe, the ups and downs of Emperor Qianlong’s leniency and conquest, the ancient family, the ancient religion, and the ancient grievances were all forged into a mournful melody of the Muqam in the flames and blood of the northern and southern Tian Shan. The desperate screams of a child on the city walls of Kuche, the furious accusations of a mother by the banks of the Yarkand River, the tears of the Ili General ignited by justice, the struggles and advances of marching armies – all became chapters of passionate and intense memories, like smoke fading into the distance, blooming and withering, enduring too many storms.
Now, through the gentle narration of the last prince of Xinjiang, Dawuti Mahmut, history has finally gently lifted a corner. Those love-hate relationships, scarred by time, are now slowly approaching us with the vicissitudes of ages.