aprilaprilapril 's review for:

Rickshaw Boy by Lao She

5.0

dark sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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The story of Xiangzi, the rickshaw man in question, is a true tragedy. His honest, hardworking, and idealistic character comes through so strongly, as well as his dream to make something of himself. Yet he is trampled in a sick society where the poor are condemned. Laoshe convincingly shows how money is more than subsistence - it can be substance of fate itself, of dignity and of dreams. The lack thereof is soul-crushing and soul-murdering.