The Chinese writer Su Tong is one of the favorites of the public, both in China and the West since the success of the film “Raise the Red Lantern” (1991), adapted from one of his novels.
Nine books translated into French and success also with the Man Asia prize in 2009 for ” The Bank of the River” (1) (previously translated into English as “The Boat to Redemption”).The many talents of the author are also … Lire la suite
An excellent novel of political and social fiction has been translated into English this summer with an interesting preface by Julia Lovell under the title “The Fat Years” (1). The French translation (” Les Années Fastes”) will be published by Grasset early next year.
The author, Chan Koonchung, was the guest of a meeting organized in Paris by the CERI (Centre d’Etudes et de Recherches Internationales) at Sciences Po and Rue89. The presentation organized by … Lire la suite
The Chinese novelist Bi Feiyu has been awarded in recent months the two most prestigious literary awards in Asia and particularly the Mao Dun prize, the Chinese “Goncourt”. In Paris for a few days, on the occasion of the release of his latest novel “The Blind” (1), we were able to meet him: a bon vivant, a good craftsman, happy in today’s China.
A reputation that is growing rapidly:
Well supported by his French … Lire la suite
The first part of the interview with Bi Feiyu in Paris was published, with the review of his book “The Blind”, on Rue89; you will find here what is related to his writing …
The ‘long list’ of the novels for the Mao Dun award has led to controversy:
It is true that on this list and among the winners, there are Presidents and Vice Presidents of the regional groups of the Writers Union. … Lire la suite
As an immigrant or an exile, how do you fit in a new country, how can you survive, how does one live with a new language, new environment, values and references that are foreign. “A free life” (1), now translated into French, the novel, largely autobiographical, by the great Chinese writer Ha Jin, who became an American citizen, handles these issues with intelligence and emotion.
Immigrant or exile:
Born into a family in … Lire la suite
Mo Yan is probably the greatest living writer of Chinese nationality. His latest novel, “Frogs”, is devoted to his aunt ,77 years old, who helped his birth – like 9983 other babies – and, half angel, half-demon, was also responsible for the local birth control policy. As such, she has performed thousands of abortions.
This novel, published in China in 2009, has led to many debates at a time when birth control is discussed openly … Lire la suite
The Mao Dun prize 2011 has been awarded. The prize, which is the major literary event in China, was established following a donation by the great writer Mao Dun, and is awarded every four years and for the first time in 1982.
The eighth edition has been somewhat controversial: the prize, which is organized by the Writers Union, is awarded by a jury of 61 people who have to choose from 187 books. The “long” … Lire la suite
Very little is mentioned in France about Yan Geling. Unlike the vast majority of Chinese writers, she is much more published in the United States than in France.
The novel released in France by Plon in 2002 “The lost daughter of happiness” was nevertheless well received, even if with such a title, one could fear the worst!
From China to the United States:Born in Shanghai in 1958 into a family of writers, she joins … Lire la suite
Yang Jiang was born on July 17, 1911 in Beijing. No ceremonies for the birthday; for many years she has shied away from the media but is alert and loved by her readers. Born a few months before the Revolution of 1911, she went through the whole modern history of China and this (great …) grandmother of literature is also admired for the modern couple she formed for 63 years with one of the most … Lire la suite
Rice is the first global cereal for human consumption. This crop has shaped the landscape of plains, carved the mountains and deeply influenced the civilizations that developed around the rice fields, particularly in Asia.
This is why the new edition of the novel by the Malaysian writer Shahnon Ahmad, “Rice”, was an opportunity to read again this beautiful text with in perspective a novel with the same title, “Rice”, by the Chinese writer Su Tong… Lire la suite
Bi Feiyu has just received, in Hong Kong, the Man Asia 2010 Literary Award; an amount of USD 30 000 for his novel “Three Sisters”. This book was translated into French (1) in 2004, for Editions Philippe Picquier by Claude Payen and recently translated into English (2) by Howard Goldblatt and Sylvia Li-chun Lin who will share 5 000 USD.
This is the third Chinese writer winning the prize after Jiang Rong in 2007 for … Lire la suite
A few months ago was mentioned the posthumous triumph of Eileen Chang with the success, fifteen years after her death, of three autobiographical works: “Little Reunion,” available only in Chinese, “The Fall of the Pagoda (1) followed by “The Book of Change (2), written in English.
The quality of these two books is such that it was interesting to analyze the wide variety of topics and events related to the author’ s life.
An autobiographical … Lire la suite
Originally published on Rue89 – 02/07/2011 –
Chinese novelist and journalist Xinran continues her work that allows the voice of women in China to be heard. With her latest book, “Message from an unknown Chinese mother “(1), she deals with energy and empathy with a huge taboo: women who abandon their daughters for adoption in Europe or the United States. Meeting in Paris with a commited Chinese woman.
In Nanjing, a famous radio programme.
Xinran … Lire la suite