In the Pond

More about the book

The story follows an amateur calligrapher in a provincial Chinese town who uses his artistic skills as a means of resistance against oppressive party bureaucrats. Blending dark humor with sharp social commentary, the novel explores themes of power, individuality, and the struggles of creativity within a repressive regime. Ha Jin's debut captures the tension between art and authority, offering a poignant reflection on the role of the artist in society.