Ha Jin
Ha Jin is a Chinese-American poet and novelist. He is known for his works that explore the complexities of life in China and the immigrant experience in the United States. His notable works include 'Waiting,' which won the National Book Award for Fiction and the PEN/Faulkner Award, and 'War Trash,' which also won the PEN/Faulkner Award.
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.
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1. Waiting
"Waiting" is a story set in China during the Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, revolving around the life of Lin Kong, a military doctor who is torn between his love for two women. He is stuck in an arranged marriage with his traditional wife in the countryside, while he falls in love with a modern, city nurse. The novel explores his 18-year struggle to divorce his wife and marry his lover, depicting the clash between traditional and modern Chinese culture, personal desires, and societal expectations.
The 1798th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. War Trash
The novel is a fictional memoir of a Chinese soldier who is captured during the Korean War and spends several years in American POW camps. He struggles to survive in the brutal conditions and navigate the political rivalries among the prisoners, while holding onto the hope of repatriation and the fear of being labeled a traitor by his own country. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the human cost of war.
The 6056th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. Ocean Of Words
Army Stories
Set against the backdrop of the Chinese military during the 1970s, this collection of interconnected short stories delves into the lives of soldiers stationed along the Sino-Soviet border. Through a series of poignant and often humorous vignettes, the narrative explores themes of camaraderie, duty, and the personal struggles of individuals caught in the larger currents of history. The characters' experiences reflect the complexities of life in a politically charged environment, revealing their hopes, fears, and the intricate web of human relationships that sustain them.
The 6136th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Banished Immortal
A Life of Li Bai (Li Po)
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tang Dynasty China, this captivating narrative delves into the life of the legendary poet, Li Bai. It explores his journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most celebrated literary figures of his time. Through vivid storytelling, the book captures Li Bai's unyielding spirit, his insatiable thirst for adventure, and his relentless pursuit of artistic freedom. As he navigates the complexities of court politics and personal relationships, the story paints a rich tapestry of a man whose passion for poetry and life remains undiminished, even in the face of exile and adversity.
The 8495th Greatest Book of All Time
