To Live: A Novel

This is a beautifully written novel covering the years after 1912 and the revolution that ended the Qing Dynasty through to post-revolution (1949) and the establishment of People’s Republic of China. The story unfolds as a “city boy” walks in the rural area, wandering, meeting and talking with the locals. During his travels, he meets an old farmer who tells him his life story. Our wanderer takes on the role of narrator, and intertwines the chapters of a life with breaks where one chapter ends and another chapter begins. It is the narrator that ties all the chapters together into a cohesive whole that describes what it means “To Live” during those turbulent times. The story offers insights into human temptations and mistakes we all make, and how politics and revolution affect the non-combatants, perhaps, more so than the combatants. The novel offers some deep insights into Chinese society and culture, and the poverty and deprivation that is a consequent of the revolution. I could see some of the same pitfalls in the novel that are seen in our own society. Overall, a most excellent story that communicates the idea that China, Chinese and Chinese Culture are not so very different from the United States, and European derived culture. I highly recommend if you are interested in Chinese society and culture.

A truly insightful and moving trace through 7decades of life as a soldier and then farmer in China. Loved how Fugui moves through life’s tragedies - deeply impacted and emotionally all in yet never, never quits! Inspiring!

The story was very compelling, albeit a little sad. I would definitely recommend it. It was easy to read and hard to put it. No chapters. Very interesting. Good social history.

Almost unbelievable job of taking the reader into the life of a common man in China when the country was undergoing drastic change. Fugui begins life as a privileged son but his life evolves into one of hardship and sorrow interspersed with tiny drops of hope and joy. The ability of the author to depict the everyday life of the Chinese peasant in the countryside is extraordinary. Despite a different time period, there is some similarity to "The Good Earth" by Pearl Buck, but with Fugui as the narrator the story becomes even more personal. I must admit I had a bit of trouble getting into the book and felt the wording or phrasing seemed awkward in places. The format of Fugui telling his life story to a man collecting popular folk songs seemed strained. Once into Fugui's story, I was totally immersed into his life. Only once or twice does the listener (the folk song collector) interfere and then it seems so appropriate allowing the reader to see Fugui as another would see him: "the old man's dark face smiling in the sunlight was quite moving. The wrinkles on his face moved about happily." The happiness on Fugui's face tells so much after the reader has heard his life story. In short, this is a look at a man who accepts the life that was handed him; there is no whining, no second guessing, none of our Western world's internal angst and second guessing. It's a good book and one that should be read.

I read this book in college and wanted to read it again. It was a class on Chinese film and fiction where we would read the book and watch the film that was based off the book. I love the story of hardship the main character faces and how he deals with his circumstances. As I am reading it currently the lessons of the story give me a sense of humility to be greatful for what I have, and I have a sense of being content with the way things are. One of the best lessons in the story, in my opinion, is very Taoist. What seems like a calamity when first experienced may be a blessing in the the long run that could very well be a life saver. I highly recommend this novel to enjoy its wisdom and learn about its time period of Chinese history and culture.

After reading "Brothers", I became curious about this author. To Live is another intense description of the life of a Chinese family over 40 years starting at the end of the war against Japan and going through the various periods that followed. It puts things in perspective. Well worth the read. The author has made it in my list of top 10 authors. On a different note, I ordered the book used and as always, I am very satisfied with the quality/appearance of the book.

This is one of those novels that wring you out to dry, yet you love every moment of suffering. And boy, does the author know how to make a guy suffer. TO LIVE takes place before, during, and after the Communist takeover of China, but it's not really about that. It's about a guy named Fugui--a sort of guy that you would find anywhere, be it the United States or India or China--who fritters away his wealth in a drunken night of gambling. Hard lessons in humility and capricious luck don't end when he loses his family's land and honor. He gets forcibly drafted into the Nationalist army, faces starvation as he survives the bloody civil war, and tries to endure the long string of tragedies that face him. This isn't a book for someone who's looking for a finely drawn piece of artful prose, as the tale is told in a no-nonsense and stotic way as Fugui narrates his life to a journeyman. This isn't a book for one who wants an in-depth portrayal of a man's feelings or thoughts. The downright blase attitude that Fugui has can be downright disturbing at times. If you, however, want a tale of an ordinary man enduring hardships--both of his own and others' doing--this book is for you.

Buen estado. Todo OK!

One of the best novels / books I read from 2024. Thoroughly enjoyed and shows the hardships many Chinese faced back in the day. The main protagonist loses everything, his wife, daughter, son, animals, everything. It is very heartfelt and written magnificently. Please take the time to read this masterpiece

Very sad to receive my book in this condition.

What are we living for? For the one who take care of us, who loved us and who stay with us? Maybe you don't care about anything or anyone, and it is just you who matters in this world. Maybe nobody give you a chance to care about the one you wanted to live for. There are lots of parameters who affects our lives and give us a destination to hold on. Some of them are give you a tragedy or drama, and some of them give happiness and peaceful stories. This book just give me the awareness of what's important for me and why I shouldn't give up... to live.

very beautiful book. the order came earlier than expected. totally recommend