The first “American” novel by the “Chinese” writer Ha Jin.

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Originally published on Rue89-12/11/2007-

Highly praised by the American press, the publication in October of the latest novel by Chinese American writer Ha Jin, shows a new development. “A free life”, not yet translated into French, is indeed the first work of its author taking place in the United States and not in China.

This long novel, reviewed by John Updike, in The New Yorker, leads us to question the topics of his earlier novels, … Lire la suite

The Chinese writer Mo Yan, exams and “Eternal Happiness”

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Originally published on Rue89, 21/11/2007.
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Mo Yan is probably one of the most important Chinese writers today, certainly a possible “Nobel”. The release of “Joy” allows us to understand better his world. He  is very close to his hero, nicknamed Yongli, “Eternal Happiness”.

Son of poor peasants in Shandong as the author, Yongli dreams of joining university.  “Think a little, what are the benefits of being a peasant? … As long as we build … Lire la suite

Love again, after the Mao period.

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Originally published on Rue89-10/12/2007 –

The “Trilogy of Love”, a set of three novels, published in 1986-1987, by Wang Anyi gave rise at the time to some emotion and harsh criticism because it was the first time that sex was mentioned, although timidly, in contemporary Chinese literature. The second of these novels, translated into English when it was published, (Renditions – Hong Kong), has been released in French by Editions Philippe Picquier.

“Love in a

… Lire la suite

Qiu Xiaolong, cop and poet in Shanghai.

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First published on Rue89,02/10/2007

 The fifth investigation of Chief Inspector Chen Cao brings us to Shanghai just a few years ago. A detective novel, no, a political novel about power, real estate corruption and the trauma of the Cultural Revolution.

“Silk and blood”  by Qiu Xiaolong (Editions Liana Levi, 2007), translated from the original “Red Mandarin Dress” takes us on the trail of a serial killer who traumatized the city, murdering beautiful creatures and leaving … Lire la suite

“Lust Caution”, prize winning at the Venice Film Festival; discover Eileen Chang.

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Originally published on Rue89-09/18/2007.

“Lust, caution”, a film by Ang Lee, the Taiwanese film director, well known for his previous films (“Sense and Sensibility,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Brokeback Mountain”) has just obtained the Gold Lion in Venice. Many comments in the United States where the film faces a ban to minors, and in China, where censorship demand a half-hour cut. …

But also among readers of Eileen Chang , one of the most famous … Lire la suite