Liu Zhenyun is a Chinese writer whose works often delve into the absurdity and injustices of modern life. His writing, characterized by its unique humor and occasional grotesqueness, explores deeper truths about human nature and society. Esteemed in his home country, he has been recognized for his ability to capture the complexities of Chinese reality through a penetrating and often ironic lens. Liu Zhenyun's works resonate with readers for their poignancy and honest portrayal of everyday struggles.
One Day Three Autumns was written to preserve the memory of the author's sixth uncle, a talented artist whose paintings were tragically burned after his death. It attempts to bring them back to life in writing, proving that those we love are never truly gone, and that a home is more than what we choose to fill it with.
Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing China, this novel explores themes of sibling loyalty, sexual exploitation, and official corruption through a satirical lens. The story reveals the struggles of ordinary people facing scams and mercenary values while simultaneously highlighting their resilience and resourcefulness. With a blend of farce and social critique, it delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal shifts, showcasing Liu Zhenyun's sharp wit and keen observations.
Originally published in China in 2009 and appearing in English for the first time, Liu Zhenyun's award-winning Someone to Talk To follows two men living seventy years apart who in their loneliness and struggle to find meaningful personal connections highlight the contours of everyday life in pre- and post- Mao China.
To avoid China's one-child policy, Li Xuelian divorced her husband intending to remarry after their second child is born. Only before they can, he marries another woman. Mad with rage, Li runs to the judge begging him to declare the divorce a sham so she may remarry and truly divorce the fool--