Description
Book SynopsisIn 1930, the Japanese colonial regime brought a Taiwanese tribe to the brink of genocide. Wu He investigates the atrocity in this milestone of Chinese experimental literature. Shifting among observation, philosophical musings, and fantastical leaps of imagination,
Remains of Life is a powerful literary reckoning with Taiwan's colonial history.
Trade ReviewRemains of Life is a novel of the first order. Welding experimental language and penetrating insights into history and memory, it transcends commonly used categories such as literary movements and schools. Remains of Life is not only a landmark in modern Chinese literature but truly an epochal accomplishment. -- Michelle Yeh, University of California, Davis After spending ten years living in seclusion, Wu He began publishing a series of short stories, novellas, and novels that culminated in the publication of Remains of Life. The novel stands as a singular statement, at once profound and powerful, that could only come from the brilliant literary imagination of Wu He. -- Chu T'ien-wen, author of Notes of a Desolate Man Wu He is one of the most innovative Chinese-language writers today, and Michael Berry is one of the best translators of Chinese. I cannot think of a modern or contemporary work of literature in the Chinese language that is comparable to Remains of Life. It deserves a place alongside great literary works dealing with genocide such as Austerlitz by W. G. Sebald. -- Lingchei Letty Chen, Washington University in St. Louis A brilliant but immensely challenging work, of great interest to students of contemporary Asian fiction-and of the literature of atrocity and remembrance as well. Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Table of ContentsIntroduction Remains of Life Afterword Notes
