South Passage · Wild Gourd Introduction East · Wild Gourd Introduction (Complete Two Volumes)

Author: Zong Pu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-05-01
Features: The novel is set against the backdrop of the great era of war, concerning the fate and future of humanity. The author occasionally expresses philosophical reflections in her writing. For example, when discussing the captured soldiers of the Japanese invaders, Meng Fei said, "They are also human, but under the influence of fascist policies, they have become tools and have been 'alienated.' In the war we are fighting to defend our nation, we must not only eliminate the fascists who are against humanity but also restore 'humanity' to its true form." Restoring "humanity" to its true form is a profound issue related to the destiny of the people. Throughout history, how many philosophers have devoted their thoughts to this matter! The book also devotes much attention to the young people of that time, who are now over seventy years old. Each of them is civilized, intelligent, lively, innocent, educated, and idealistic. Their dialogues and expressions often reveal the influence of their parents' upbringing, especially in the face of the brutal bombing by the enemy. I greatly appreciate these descriptions. For instance, the section where a group of young people, led by a biology teacher, go into the mountains and fields to collect plant specimens is both touching and picturesque. The Wild Gourd Guide is about intellectuals and is primarily written for intellectuals. It particularly depicts their integrity during times of national crisis and how they steadfastly and loyally guard the sacred "frontier" of education, which is crucial for future generations. In summary, it is a work that chronicles the lives of intellectuals. Zong Pu's writing style is very distinctive, with a style that is as unique as the person herself—immediately recognizable as her work, not anyone else's. The entire book is written in short sentences, making it easy to read and flowing without any awkwardness. This is thanks to her profound knowledge of classical Chinese literature.