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. 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 2207th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 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 10450th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. 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 10762nd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. 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 17119th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. A Song Everlasting

   

   In this compelling narrative, a renowned Chinese singer finds himself at a crossroads when he decides to stay in the United States after a tour, defying the expectations of his homeland. As he navigates the complexities of life in a foreign land, he grapples with the challenges of cultural identity, political pressures, and personal freedom. His journey is one of self-discovery, as he seeks to reconcile his past with his present, all while striving to maintain his artistic integrity and personal values in the face of an uncertain future.

6. 6. The Crazed

   

   Set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square protests, this compelling narrative follows Jian Wan, a graduate student in China, as he navigates the tumultuous political landscape and personal turmoil. When his mentor, Professor Yang, suffers a stroke, Jian becomes his reluctant caretaker, unraveling the professor's incoherent ramblings that reveal hidden truths about his life and the oppressive regime they live under. As Jian grapples with his own ambitions and the oppressive societal constraints, he is forced to confront the complexities of loyalty, love, and the pursuit of freedom in a rapidly changing world.

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7. 7. In The Pond

   

   A principled lower-level public servant grows increasingly outraged by pervasive bribery and nepotism in his small-town bureaucracy and decides to challenge the corrupt officials who benefit from the system; his solitary campaign — marked by petitions, public complaints and attempts to use legal channels — provokes retaliation, social isolation and moral compromises, exposing the personal cost of standing against entrenched power and the limits of justice in a corrupted administrative order.

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