Shady to Pure: China's Catcher in the Rye

Author: Yu Jingyun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: Authentic portrayal of the abnormal lives of contemporary college students, a absurdly humorous postmodern text that describes those unrestrained days in the language of the new generation. Beyond delicately and sincerely depicting Tang Fei's own emotional confusion, the book also authentically portrays the distinct personalities and different life trajectories of his "mischievous friends." All of this is presented in the author's unique and humorous style, described as "making people laugh until their kidneys hurt," like a vivid painting. After a light-hearted read, it leaves behind a faint sorrow in recalling the "blossoming years."
Tang Fei, a self-proclaimed "pure-hearted girl killer" with "exquisite features and natural intelligence," appears arrogant, rebellious, cynical, and disillusioned on the surface, but inwardly craves a "pure" emotional world like the Catcher in the Rye. Qin Yu, Tang Fei's first love, is a girl so innocent and enchanting that she makes one's heart ache. She leaves Tang after a year of dating and reappears "shocking" three years later. Zhao Yu, Tang Fei's girlfriend for three years after college, is a clever and captivating spirit who understands Tang Fei and helps him overcome all his life's challenges—his "Wang Baochan." Will Tang Fei ultimately choose whom? How does the freedom (chain) imposed on Tang Fei by his parents in the name of love affect him, and how does Tang Fei confront it?