Martin Eden (from Jack London's Collected Works)

Author: Jack London (USA), translated by Wu Lao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-08-01
Features: Jack London is one of the most famous writers of working-class origin in the United States. This book is his masterpiece, a semi-autobiographical novel. The protagonist, young sailor Martin Eden, accidentally meets Miss Rose from the upper class and is inspired by her. He dedicates himself to self-study and begins a tough career as a writer. Despite facing setbacks everywhere, he refuses to follow Rose's arrangement to work at her father's office as a "productive young man." Later, he suddenly gets lucky, and previously rejected manuscripts are published one after another, making him a celebrated writer. Those who once looked down on him now scramble to invite him for meals, even Rose, who had broken ties with him, actively tries to win him back. This makes him see the cold and fickle nature of society and shatters his beautiful illusions about love. As a coming-of-age novel, this book has been favored by generations of young readers.