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ellielep 's review for:
The Four Books
by Yan Lianke
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I had to read this for uni but wow did it leave an impression! Yan’s writing is a fascinating critique of the Great Famine resulting from the Cultural Revolution. It’s definitely not for those who are easily disturbed, but should be essential reading for anyone interested in modern Chinese history. Just be warned it’s extremely graphic especially in the second half of the book set during the famine.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Cannibalism, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt
Minor: Religious bigotry