Chen Yan

3.21035 learners

Follow Yi Qin’e, an 11-year-old mountain goat herder from rural China, as she clawed her way from a humble kitchen helper to a legendary star of Qin Opera—one of China’s oldest and most dramatic traditional art forms. Plucked from her village by her drum-playing uncle, she faces brutal training, petty theater politics, and devastating losses: her uncle’s wrongful imprisonment, a stage collapse that kills innocent lives, a disabled son, and toxic online attacks that smear her reputation. Through every setback, her unshakable devotion to her craft keeps her going, as she navigates love, betrayal, and the slow decline and eventual revival of the art she holds dear. This raw, sweeping story is a tribute to resilience, the cost of fame, and the enduring power of art to heal and connect.

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.