"The Crazed" is a good read for anyone who likes to have a feel of literature, history, politics, and philosopy.Ha Jin gives us a clear picture of an intellectual's life in China -- the prestige, the eloquence, the opportunities, the politics, the struggles, and even frustrations. These things are mainly manifested in the experiences of Professor Yang, a literature professor at the Shanning University, during his crazed moments.
Since the main characters of the stories are scholaras of literature, expect a number of poems in the book. This is one thing that got me hooked. Seeing parts of poems in every monologue of Prof. Yang made the book more exciting to read. Of course, you'll also learn a bit about different perspectives of poetry.
While "The Crazed" gives a vivid grasp of what's to be in a communist Chinese society vis-a-vis the experiences of youth leaders during the Tiananmen Square tragedy and other social struggles, it also provides different pictures of personal (love, dream, practicality, etc.) struggles.
[To be Continued]
A 35-peso book can give you intense satisfaction. Yes, got the book for 35 at a National Bookstore branch near my place (Karirin lang ang paghahahanap, may makikitang mura, matino, at interesanteng libro.). Ha Jin appears to be an interesting author. Just got a copy of "Waiting" and it's on my reading list waiting to be read. Of course, I need a break from Ha Jin. Meantime, I've just started reading "Flanders" by Patricia Anthony.
4 comments:
rawow! ha jin book for 35 pesos! meron pa ba niyan? nabasa ko na yung "Waiting". nagustuhan ko siya... one of my favorite books. apir!
I've learned about Ha Jin through your Friendster profile (stalker ako). So when I chanced upon "The Crazed" at National Marilao, I read through the overview and bought the book.
Maswerte lang ako sa mga murang (at bago ha) libro dahil matiyaga rin. At siyempre, kailangan din madiskarte. Pupunta ka sa mga Nat'l Bookstore na bihirang "bilhan ng libro", yung tipong pang supplies lang kaya dinadayo (SM Marilao, SM Valenzuela). Minsan kahit dun pa sa dinadayo (kahit sa Nat'l Recto pa). Basta matiyaga ka lang.
Of course, don't expect a Coehlo book on bargain :P
Powerbooks and National are both on Sale.Pulubi na naman ako.
ahehehe! ganun pala ha! wokokok! sana meron pang ganyan pag nagpunta ako minsan don. ang tanong, kelan naman kaya yon? wehehe!
^Kahit naman sa SM North malay mo may makita ka. At may Trinoma na rin. Kaso di ko masyado gusto iyong national dun. Well, may powerbooks naman. May mga bargain corners -- mahigit 1 hr ata ako dun nung Sunday. :) Nakipagkwentuhan daw dito.
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