Here is a first list of books about China, taken from the previous version of Expatbooks.
American author Nicole Mones has has been dealing with China for many years, after starting a trade in Chinese fabrics. Her deep knowledge and passion for the country have poured into compelling novels, which explore the culture, the lifestyle, but also the intercultural relationships that arise in and around this country. Among the many books she wrote, we would like to mention here The Last Chinese Chef, A Cup of Light, Night in Shanghai and Lost in Translation. You can find all of Nicole Mones’ books about China on her website.
Another American author that used her esperience and connection with Chinese culture is Lisa See. Born in Paris, she grew up in Los Angeles Chinatown with her father’s family (of Chinese descent). In all of her books, she explores stories from the past and the bonds between women. In particular, we would like to mention Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, but all of her books immerse you in Chinese culture and atmosphere. Find all of Lisa See’s books on her website.
Canadian writer Madeleine Thien was born of Chinese parents. In her novels and short stories she explores themes related to the diaspora of Asian communities, as well as, among other themes, themes of Chinese politics. Her first novel Certainty had a great success, as did the award-winning Dogs at the Perimeter and Do Not Say We Have Nothing. A note of merit to Madeleine Thien for donating the entire award she received from the Writers’ Trust of Canada (25,000 CDA) to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and to the Lebanese Red Cross, among others.
Another famous writer of Chinese descent is Amy Tan, who, through her novels, explores the world of Chinese immigrants in the United States. It’s worth mentioning The Joy Luck Circle, The Kitchen God’s Wife and The hundred Secret Senses.
Sogni, segni e sintomi. Racconti dalla Cina by Lucio Cascavilla (in Italian) is a collection of twelve short stories. Cascavilla lived in different parts of China for a long time, and in this collection he offers us a varied range of stories. He takes us completely into the Chinese reality of the past, and how this has shaped the present, and in the most varied and contradictory present.
Let’s also give voice to Chinese writers. Let’s start with Dai Sijie and his Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress. In this novel, the author takes us to the time of the Cultural Revolution to explore the violence of repression, the desire for freedom, and the bond between young men and women.
Veronica Lee is Chinese, with a strong history of life abroad. With her Journey across the four seas, she tells her mother Flora’s story. Flora was a resolute and constantly tested woman, in the search for a better life. This long and complex story also features the events that have marked China since the Second World War.
Chinese author Xinran, born in Beijing and based in the United Kingdom, has written a book of great impact, Buy me the sky, about the generation born in China after 1979 under the one-child policy. It is worth following her and studying her works in depth. Xinran is a journalist with great experience and a very tormented experience in China. She has chosen to expose the problems of the weakest, especially women.
I read Wild Swans by Jung Chang a long time ago, but I still remember it very well. In the story of three generations, those of her grandmother, her mother and her own, the Chinese author tells us the history of her country. And she does so with elegance and a legendary flavor, even though the events she narrates are anything but light.
One writer I particularly recommend is Anchee Min, author of Red Azalea. Along with her great work, which is hard to read but highly enlightening, she is an incredible person. I saw her speak at the Ubud Literature Festival in Bali, and I still feel the impact of the terrible story of her childhood in China, her rise in the party, and then her escape. Anchee Min now lives in the United States and her book is several years old, but for me it is still a must, and very current.
The winner of Nobel Prize for literature Mo Yan is considered the greatest exponent of Chinese literature. He is the author of the famous Red Sorghum, which was also made into a film. I have only read his book The Frogs, which I recommend.
Another well-known and beloved Chinese author is Yu Hua, who however does not deal exclusively with China in his works. He had a rather experimental beginning, followed by more realistic works, in which there remains a certain macabre taste. In his production, he seems to be inspired by Japanese literature and some figures of Western literature, such as Franz Kafka, Italo Calvino and Alberto Moravia. Among his most famous titles we can mention To Live and Chronicle of a Blood Merchant.
Before ending, for those who love crime novels, I can’t help but mention Qiu Xiaolong. You’ll fall in love with the truly enjoyable Inspector Chen series.
Many of the authors I mentioned in this post, even though they left China and worked from other countries, maintained strong ties with their country of origin, and that’s why I thought it was relevant to mention them here. As always, if you wish to share your suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Claudia Landini, translated by Anna Cereti
Cover Image: Annie Spratt su Unsplash