Description
Book SynopsisThe first analysis in any language of China's recent epic novels about official corruption, this book explores how Chinese authors treat the theme of official malfeasance in mass-market thrillers, how those works reflect modern life, and how they approach the taboo subject of regime change.
Trade Review"Thoroughly researched and superbly written, this is the first study of the genre of anticorruption fiction and its mass media adaptations in late socialist China... Kinkley's analysis, arguments, and interviews are excellent." --
CHOICE"Kinkley's book provides a fascinating expos of corruption in the PRC, and his last two chapters in particular make the book an insightful and important contribution to theoretical studies on Chinese literature, culture, and society." --
"As a guide to the intricacies of anticorruption fiction and its historical and social significance, Kinkley's extremely well-researched and insightful study promises to be the standard reference work for many years to come." -- Jason McGrath * Chinese Literature *
Table of Contents
Contents 1. Introduction: Corruption, Realism, and the Return of the Political Novel 2. The Trendsetter: Lu Tianming's Heaven Above 3. The Banned Blockbuster: Chen Fang's Heaven's Wrath 4. Climax: The Alarum and Standard Bearer: Zhang Ping's Choice 5. "Anticorruption" by Indirection: Wang Yuewen's National Portrait 6. Dirt Plus Soap Equals Paydirt: Liu Ping's Dossier on Smuggling 7. Chinese Realism, Popular Culture, and the Critics 8. Conclusion: The Chinese Discourse of Corruption 9. Abbreviations and Bibliography 10. Character List 11. Index
