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Q: Is there any GOOD modern-day literature coming from Mainland China?
Genuine question, not a flame.
It seems that all I ever hear about is the classics. I never hear about anything profound or epic -- or even good -- these days. Not from China.
Seems to me (and I could be wrong here) that everyone is distracted from writing about actual issues, or if they do, they're raving idiots like Ai Weiwei who make it hard for others to take seriously (humping a stuffed animal while naked and posting a picture of it online makes me doubt his sanity).
And then there are books that don't actually focus on any issues happening now. I like those too, so as long as they're good. Is there anything good out there?
If I'm wrong, please correct me. I could use some good Chinese literature right about now. Thanks!
11 years 12 weeks ago in Arts & Entertainment - China
I would say yes. However I want to know how "modern" do you want, before I could answer your question?
Have you heard about Mo Yan, who won the 2012 Nobel literature Prize?
Well 莫言(Mo Yan) was born in 1955 so I guess his work would count.
What about 鲁迅？ He is one of the pinoneers that began to use "modern Chinese grammers" to write novels and essays! He revealed and criticized the bloody, hypocrite, and cruel side of traditional Chinese society and culture! He wrote the very first novel in modern Chinese grammer named 《狂人日记》. His essays are very difficult to understand but it's said as Chinese people grow older and experience more of China society,his works become so true
Maybe 林语堂(Lin Yutang)？Nobel Literature Prize nominee! Twice! Once in 1940 and the other time in 1950!
There are also 张爱玲、金庸 etc.
Do you want poems too?
There are several modern poems I really like.
艾青（the Ai guy's father you mentioned in the question）wrote this great poem 《我爱这土地》
舒婷 wrote 《致橡树》It's about romance, love and commitment
闻一多 《七子之歌》it's about the seven China's places that occupied by colonists
海子 《面朝大海，春暖花开》It's a great poem about attitudes of life. The poet committed suicide at a very young age.
Wish you the best luck to get the meanings of the Chinese literature. They usually lost its greatness after being translated.
