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A review by jenniferdenslow
In the Pond by Ha Jin
4.0
Bin Shai, a worker at a Chinese fertilizer plant, is passed over when apartments are allocated and a classic struggle between an individual and the bureaucracy ensues.
While many reviews comment on the humor in this novel, few mention how the story affirms the power of art and writing to move people. Bin Shao's weapon of choice in his struggle against his bosses is literally a pen instead of a sword, since after hours he is a talented artist and calligrapher.
Ha Jin's writing is simple and straightforward, which complements this story of daily life in China.
While many reviews comment on the humor in this novel, few mention how the story affirms the power of art and writing to move people. Bin Shao's weapon of choice in his struggle against his bosses is literally a pen instead of a sword, since after hours he is a talented artist and calligrapher.
Ha Jin's writing is simple and straightforward, which complements this story of daily life in China.