Chen Yan

3726 learners

In *The Genius's Back*, author Chen Yan weaves a rich tapestry of personal memoir, cultural reflection, and literary insight rooted in the heart of Shaanxi, China. Drawing from his upbringing in the Qinling Mountains—often likened to China’s Rockies—he shares vivid memories of his hometown’s rugged landscapes, centuries-old history, and the quiet resilience of its people. The book delves into intimate family stories, particularly his arduous journey to save his mother from a debilitating spinal condition, highlighting unbreakable kinship bonds. Chen pays tribute to literary giants like Chen Zhongshi and Jia Pingwa, recounting their mentorship and profound impact on his career. He celebrates the raw, earthy power of Qin Opera, tracing its history, legendary performers, and enduring connection to rural life. At its core, the book champions ordinary people—stagehands, opera singers, small-town residents—arguing their struggles and quiet triumphs hold life’s truest essence.

Yang Benfen

3.1452 learners

Floating Wood, by Yang Benfen, delivers raw, intimate first-person narratives of life in rural China spanning decades. Through unflinching, vivid storytelling, it chronicles the author’s family’s brutal struggles: her mother’s relentless labor to raise six children, the heart-wrenching loss of infant brother Yang Rui to untreated illness, and her older brother’s persecution during the Cultural Revolution for standing against corruption. It also weaves in tales of neighboring villagers—from a disfigured mother who rejects her daughter to a childless woman’s tragic end—painting a rich portrait of ordinary people clinging to hope amid hardship. Later chapters shift to the author’s own journey: raising her kids through financial strain, caring for her ailing husband, and finding quiet joy in her golden years with her granddaughter and elderly partner. These stories aren’t just about suffering; they’re a testament to the quiet resilience, deep love, and unbreakable bonds that sustain people through life’s darkest tides.