Reviews

Land of Big Numbers: Stories by Te-Ping Chen

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dinasamimi's review against another edition

5.0

All these stories were engrossing and unique. Great storytelling that felt quintessentially Chinese. I usually find that story collections are a mixed bag, but these were all so good. Chen has a gift for both character and plot.

jess_mango's review

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4.0

I like to throw a short story collection into the mix now and then. They are great to pick up when you have a moment and read a single story and don't need to worry about remembering anything if you don't pick it back up for another couple of days.

Land of Big Numbers is a debut short story collection by Te-Ping Chen set in China or featuring Chinese immigrants living abroad. The stories are all about everyday people and how the culmination of Chinese culture, government and traditions have all impacted life for contemporary Chinese people. We see people looking to better their lives when limited paths are available to them. Many of the stories were realistic, taut with emotion. Others had a twist of magical realism or the absurd.

My two favorite stories in the collection were New Fruit and Gubeikou Spirit. New Fruit is about a new fruit that comes to market and it tastes sweet and is the most delicious thing ever. It puts everyone in a good mood and there is a high demand for it. When it goes out of season, people long for it. When the season comes around again, the prices are jacked up and people eagerly pay the higher price, just to taste it again. But, this season, the fruit isn't quite as sweet and it makes everyone who eats it melancholy. Gubeikou Spirit is a take on the absurdity of bureaucracy. A group of commuters get stuck in a subway station for months because the train broke down, other trains won't stop at the station, and the entry ticket system doesn't let people leave via the same station they entered. Train employees bring them food and TVs through the employee entrance but won't let the commuters out since the door is labeled "Staff Only". I loved it. It reminded my of [b:The Trial|17690|The Trial|Franz Kafka|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1320399438l/17690._SY75_.jpg|2965832] or [b:All the Names|2528|All the Names|José Saramago|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327955213l/2528._SX50_.jpg|1030699], two of my favorites in the trope.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

jyeetreads's review

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4.0

8.8/10 Collection is really skillfully written, the perspective is intimate, and the stories together paint a real and surreal landscape of China. A great start to the year since I’d been struggling to finish books all 2023!

As a Chinese American like the author, I’m curious how her cultural background influences her perspective and thus her collection here… given that she too grew up in America. I am aware she has lived in China for her career, but once again it was for an American journal. Thus the perspective in some ways is relatable as a fellow Chinese American who has visited China many times to visit family and had similar observations. But alas, I’m not sure if this perspective is entirely encompassing of the Chinese people. Without a doubt, there is a feeling as if the entire collection’s perspective is that of a semi-outsider peering in that I couldn’t shake off… perhaps once again, because it was relatable. Otherwise beautifully written :D luv it <3

murderpigeonsgobump's review

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4.0

The stories are quiet in a way, the writing gets inside the characters head and regardless of who the character is you can understand them on some level. Each story is distinct and most of them stuck with me in some way.

onebookayear's review against another edition

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reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I read Land Of Big Numbers to give something new a go.
And I was hooked early by the punchy writing, the fantastic use of words that kept everything moving fast but never felt rushed, always keeping me in the moment and captivated.
Either I was left reflecting after finishing a story or heading straight into the next, curious as to what story or character was waiting there.
Presenting interesting comparisons or juxtapositions I do feel a world different to mine was o ened up and presented to me over the course of it's 10 short stories.
A page turner and a great read.