Subject
China -- Social life and customs -- 960-1644 -- Fiction Books
Best books
Xiaoxiaosheng
金瓶梅
"金瓶梅" by Xiaoxiaosheng is a Chinese novel composed during the latter half of the 16th century. This 100-chapter work follows Ximen Qing, a wealthy merchant who maintains six wives and concubines, and the domestic struggles within his household. Named after three central female characters, the novel explores power, sexuality, and moral consequences as the Ximen clan gradually declines. Once banned as pornographic, it's now recognized as a sophisticated masterwork of Chinese literature, praised for its complex character development and narrative technique.
Nai'an Shi
水滸傳
"水滸傳" by Nai'an Shi is a Chinese novel from the Ming dynasty and one of the Classic Chinese Novels. Set during the Northern Song dynasty around 1120, it follows 108 outlaws who gather at Mount Liang to rebel against a corrupt government. After their uprising, they are granted amnesty and recruited to fight foreign invaders and other rebels. Written in vernacular Mandarin, the novel introduced iconic characters like Wu Song and Lin Chong, becoming a masterpiece that influenced fiction throughout East Asia.
Nai'an Shi
Kapinallinen Lo Ta : $b Koomillinen kiinalainen seikkailuromaani
"Kapinallinen Lo Ta: Koomillinen kiinalainen seikkailuromaani" by Nai'an Shi is a comic novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a historical context that seems to revolve around the social and political turbulence of 12th century China, where the protagonist, Lo Ta, embarks on various misadventures. The narrative explores themes of rebellion, moral dilemmas, and the contrast between physical prowess and intellectual wit through Lo Ta's experiences, especially as he interacts with an array of intriguing characters. The opening of the novel introduces us to Lo Ta, a captain in the city watch, who becomes embroiled in a conflict after defending a friend from the oppression of a ruthless local butcher, Tshing. Through a series of encounters, Lo Ta's bravery quickly escalates into chaos, ultimately leading to his unfortunate consequence of murder. Realizing the imminent danger, he flees from Wei Tshou, faced with the prospect of evading justice and seeking refuge elsewhere. As the story unfolds, Lo Ta's character is developed against a backdrop of humor and adventure, setting the stage for his transformation from a soldier to a monk as he grapples with the consequences of his deeds, all while intertwining with various other characters along the way.
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