"The difficult path of his life had led him straight to this road swirling with dust. He had no choice but to accept it and start over."
Lu Yao's novel likely loses some passion and intensity in the formal English translation, but "Life" offers a well-constructed dilemma for Jialin, the only child of elderly peasant parents.
Jialin's struggle to use his rare education to escape his origins and break the bonds of complicated social mores is the focus of Yao's work. The author does a fine job of painting complex generational clashes, though the story does juggle conflicting messages.
"'What does being a high school student have to do with anything? He's still going to have to spend his life with a finger up a cow's ass!'"
While Jialin's inner turmoil in choosing between two women and the lifestyles they offer is engrossing, Old Deshun can be read as the hero -- the grandfatherly village elder who dispenses wisdom, humor, and a willingness to reconsider outdated caste beliefs.
"Life" is a quick, absorbing book -- and a fascinating snapshot of Chinese traditions and the joy and heartbreak they can bring.
"She would weep from unhappiness, because of her misfortune, and for the dream of love that had been buried alive."
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