Do you know the birthplace of paper and printing techniques? Where did it formally begin?
China was the first country to develop paper during the Han dynasty in 105 AD. Printing was discovered a millennium ago during the Tang dynasty in the same region. This shows that the Chinese culture’s tradition of reading and learning is not new. Even during the Lockdown, they spent more time with their books than their screens.
To know what draws these readers to read, you’ll first need to know what books are most popular in their region. Here are ten of the best books in Chinese literature available in translated versions for English readers.
Chinese Literature Books:
1. The Chilli Bean Paste Clan by Yan Ge
Set in the small town of Pingle, The Chilli Bean Paste Clan revolves around the Duan-Xue family, who own a successful chilli bean paste factory. The family is ruled by a formidable matriarch, Gran, and is otherwise dominated by boisterous, hard-drinking men. The novel is narrated by Gran’s granddaughter, who is in a psychiatric hospital, and she weaves together family gossip and tales as they prepare for Gran’s 80th birthday. The novel offers an authentic glimpse into life in a small Chinese town, blending humor with family drama.
2. Call to Arms by Lu Xun
Call to Arms is a collection of short stories by Lu Xun, one of modern China’s most influential writers. The stories capture the socio-political upheavals of early 20th-century China, focusing on the struggles of ordinary people caught in the tides of change. Through a mix of realism and symbolism, Lu Xun explores themes like tradition versus modernity and the human condition, offering a critical perspective on the national and cultural issues of his time.
3. Red Sorghum by Mo Yan
Red Sorghum is a sweeping saga that spans three generations of the Shandong family from 1923 to 1976. The novel, which earned Mo Yan the Nobel Prize in Literature, is set against the backdrop of the Second Sino-Japanese War. It tells the story of a family’s struggle to survive, first as distillery owners and later as resistance fighters. The novel is renowned for its vivid depiction of the harsh realities of war and its impact on ordinary people.
4. Journey to the West by Wu Cheng’en
Journey to the West is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. It follows the adventures of a Buddhist monk and his three disciples—a monkey, a pig, and a river monster—as they journey from China to India in search of sacred Buddhist scriptures. This epic tale is a blend of mythology, folklore, and fantasy, offering entertainment and a commentary on Buddhist principles and practices.
5. The Analects by Confucius
The Analects is a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to Confucius and his disciples. This foundational text of Confucianism emphasizes personal and societal morality, filial piety, and the cultivation of knowledge and virtue. Confucius advocates for leading by example and treating others with respect and kindness. The Analects has profoundly impacted Chinese culture and philosophy, and its teachings continue to resonate today.
6. Miss Sophie’s Diary and Other Stories by Ding Ling
This collection of stories by Ding Ling offers a poignant glimpse into the lives of Chinese women in the early 20th century. The titular story, written in diary form, provides an intimate look at the emotional turmoil of a young woman struggling with her desires and the constraints of traditional norms. The other stories in the collection similarly explore the inner lives of women seeking to define themselves in a rapidly changing world, touching on themes of love, independence, and self-discovery.
7. To Live by Yu Hua
To Live spans several decades of Chinese history, from the 1930s through the Cultural Revolution. It tells the story of Xu Fugui, a spoiled son of a landlord who squanders his family’s fortune. Over time, Fugui becomes a hardworking farmer and endures the hardships of war, hunger, and loss. The novel is a powerful exploration of resilience and survival in the face of overwhelming adversity, and it has been hailed as one of the most significant works of Chinese literature.
8. The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
The Three-Body Problem is a groundbreaking science fiction novel that has captured the imagination of readers worldwide. The story begins with a secret military project during China’s Cultural Revolution, which accidentally triggers an alien invasion. The novel explores complex themes, including theoretical physics, virtual reality, and the potential consequences of alien contact. As the first book in a trilogy, it sets the stage for an epic exploration of humanity’s future.
9. The Last Quarter of the Moon by Chi Zijian
The Last Quarter of the Moon is a beautiful work of historical fiction narrated by an elderly Evenki woman, part of a nomadic reindeer herding community in northeastern China. The novel chronicles her life and the slow erosion of her culture due to historical events like the Japanese occupation and the increasing encroachment of modernity. Chi Zijian’s poetic prose and rich descriptions bring to life the drama of the narrator’s family and the spiritual connection they share with the land and their reindeer.
10. A New Approach to Chinese Tang Dynasty Poetry Translation by Wei Rong Chu
Read the timeless verses of the Tang Dynasty in A New Approach to Chinese Tang Dynasty Poetry Translation—From Chinese Rap to Peking Opera. Author Wei Rong Chu presents a method that marries the rhythm and essence of the original Chinese poems with modern translation techniques, making these ancient works accessible and enjoyable for a global audience.
Unlike traditional Chinese language books and literature translations that focus solely on conveying meaning, Wei Rong Chu’s approach emphasizes the rhythmic flow and poetic structure of the original texts. This innovative method ensures that the translations are not only accurate but also maintain the lyrical beauty and cultural richness of the original poems. The results have been so effective that many of these translations have found their way onto prestigious stages, including Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Theater, and Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Center in New York.
This Chinese literature poetry offers a unique blend of scholarship and artistry, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the art of translation, Chinese poetry, or musical performance. Whether you’re a teacher, student, translator, or performer, this book will inspire you to explore and appreciate the beauty of Chinese Tang Dynasty poetry in a whole new way.
Read A New Approach to Chinese Tang Dynasty Poetry Translation- From Chinese Rap to Peking Opera now on Amazon.