In the western sky

Author: Han Dong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-02-01
Features: West Above is a short story collection by Nanjing writer and poet Han Dong. Most of the stories collected here come from the author's notebook, while some were initially drafted as standalone pieces with the intention of being developed into short stories. These stories span a decade, from writing to publication, in intermittent periods. The author decided to compile them together, partly due to the consistent thematic background, but more importantly, because of the emotional inclination that runs through each story. The protagonists in the stories—whether the young Xiao Bo in childhood, the teenage Xiao Yu and Xiao Song, or the adult Xiao Dong—have all experienced rural life, which constitutes the most gentle part of their personalities. Regarding the theme of being sent down to the countryside, or rather, the description of a rural life that gradually becomes familiar from complete strangeness, Han Dong demonstrates both keen observation and caution, avoiding the pitfalls of pastoral idylls or nostalgic writing, giving the collection a distinctive style. This short story collection includes 16 stories set against the backdrop of life in the countryside. Each story can stand alone while also maintaining an internal emotional continuity. The narrative perspective ranges from innocent childhood to bitter adolescence. These works are neither pastoral idylls nor melancholic nostalgic pieces, nor are they simply a straightforward coming-of-age story. The author masterfully subverts these traditional themes, aiming to reveal a harsh and specific kind of truth. The readability of the stories is first-class, with brilliant and humorous writing that showcases the author's rare talent in literary creation.