Ma Jian

Ma Jian is a Chinese-born British writer. He is known for his works that often critique the Chinese government and explore themes of freedom and human rights. Some of his notable works include 'Red Dust,' 'Beijing Coma,' and 'The Dark Road.'

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Stick Out Your Tongue

    Stories
    Cover of 'Stick Out Your Tongue' by Ma Jian

    The book is a collection of interconnected stories that explore the harsh realities and spiritual desolation of life in Tibet. Through vivid and often unsettling narratives, it delves into themes of cultural erosion, political oppression, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The characters, ranging from nomads to monks, grapple with their identities and the profound changes sweeping their land, offering a poignant and sometimes stark portrayal of a society in turmoil.

    The 4131st Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. Beijing Coma

    Cover of 'Beijing Coma' by Ma Jian

    The novel tells the story of Dai Wei, a former student protester who has been in a coma for a decade following the Tiananmen Square massacre. As he lies immobile in his mother's Beijing apartment, Dai Wei's mind remains active, drifting through memories of his childhood, his involvement in the pro-democracy movement, and the brutal crackdown that left him in his current state. Through his internal reflections, the narrative explores themes of political repression, personal sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit in the face of authoritarianism. The story provides a poignant and critical examination of contemporary Chinese history and the lingering impact of the 1989 protests.

    The 6737th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. The Noodle Maker

    A Novel of China
    Cover of 'The Noodle Maker' by Ma Jian

    Set in post-Tiananmen Square China, the story revolves around a failed writer who converses with his friend, a professional blood donor, about the absurdities and harsh realities of life under a repressive regime. Through a series of interconnected tales, the narrative explores the struggles of various characters, each grappling with their own forms of disillusionment and despair. The book paints a darkly satirical portrait of a society caught between the remnants of its revolutionary past and the pressures of modernity, highlighting the human cost of political and social upheaval.

  4. 4. The Dark Road

    Cover of 'The Dark Road' by Ma Jian

    The novel delves into the harrowing journey of a family navigating the oppressive landscape of China's one-child policy. It follows Meili, a peasant woman, and her husband Kongzi, as they flee their village to avoid forced sterilization and abortion. Their odyssey through the country's rivers and cities exposes the brutal realities of state control, environmental degradation, and the struggle for personal freedom. Amidst the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing yet deeply repressive society, the family's quest for a second child becomes a poignant exploration of resilience, hope, and the human spirit's enduring quest for dignity.