The main character in Lai Wen’s novel takes part in the protests leading to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.
It’s hard to believe, in our cynical age, that books can change anything. But in Lai Wen’s novel, books are the most reliable indication of change.– written under a pseudonym by a Chinese writer based in Britain – reads like a memoir or autofiction about a unique inflection point in Chinese history, renowned throughout the free world and a state secret in China.
Lai Wen brings a feminist take to the story of the student who stared down a tank in Tiananmen Square.evokes vividly is the notion that you have to change yourself before you can change the world, and the road to self-knowledge is long and fraught with obstacles. It is at its most authentic when evoking the peasants disenfranchised both by the nationalists and the communist party, and the scepticism they have towards received knowledge.
The scars from this period never fade, and the characters who lived through it are sceptical of the questioning students, as well as proud of them and scared for them at the same time. As characterisation goes, it’s a delicate balance, but Lai Wen walks the tightrope with finesse.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Conviction of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai ‘unjust’, says Chris PattenFormer governor speaks out after appeal court upholds convictions of seven activists over 2019 protest
Read more »
Hong Kong court rejects Jimmy Lai appeal against conviction over 2019 pro-democracy protestMedia tycoon and six others had been found guilty of taking part in unauthorised assembly in one of year’s biggest demonstrations in city
Read more »
PEK ASX: Rare earths boss pleads case for Chinese partnerShenghe wants to expand into Australia despite strong government opposition to Chinese investment.
Read more »
Chinese gymnast Su Weide ‘deserted’ by teammates after falls lose certain Olympic gold medal7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Team USA had the school-carnival swagger but Chinese star had the blistering speedThis is the moment when the world’s best swimmers regress, for one joyous night, into adolescents drunk on school spirit.
Read more »
Team USA had the school-carnival swagger but Chinese star had the blistering speedThis is the moment when the world’s best swimmers regress, for one joyous night, into adolescents drunk on school spirit.
Read more »