Li, Sun [1913-]; Sidney Shapiro (tr); Gladys Yang (tr); Yu Fanqin (tr);
The blacksmith and the carpenter [Chinese: Tieh mu chien chuan]
Panda Books / Chinese Literature, Beijing, 1982, 311 pages
topics: | fiction-short | china
These stories were written under communism, but the title story at least is quite poignant. translators:
Written in the early years of communism, the story describes life in a small village, how fortunes change with land re-distribution after the war of liberation, the organization of youngsters into "youth brigades", and the blossoming of love in such conditions. The protagonist, Six, is the preferred son of the carpenter, and has a soft corner for Nine, the daughter of the travelling blacksmith. However, Six is a bit of a ne'er-do-well, and while he is very charming, his plans somehow end up at naught. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the fighting against the Kuomintang, who are portrayed as cruel on their population. translator: Sidney Shapiro
The blacksmith and the carpenter 7 Lotus Creek 88 Little Sheng 98 Parting advice 109 The marshes 122 Recollections of the hill country 129 Stormy years 138 Husbands 271 Guide 280 Honour 293