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. Red Sorghum

   A Novel of China

   

   Set against the backdrop of the Second Sino-Japanese War, the narrative weaves through the lives of a rural Chinese family over several generations. The story is told through the eyes of a grandson who recounts the tumultuous and often brutal experiences of his grandparents, focusing on their resilience and the vibrant, blood-soaked sorghum fields that symbolize both sustenance and suffering. The novel explores themes of love, violence, and survival, painting a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life in a war-torn land.

   The 1906th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Garlic Ballads

   

   The novel is a harsh critique of the Chinese government's agricultural policy. Set in 1980s China, it tells the story of the farmers of Paradise County, who are encouraged by the government to plant garlic, only to find that the government can't or won't buy their crops, leading to violent protests. The narrative is centered around three characters - Gao Yang, who has been arrested for leading the protests; his blind father, Gao Ma, who continues to struggle with the garlic harvest; and Jinju, the woman both men love. The book is a powerful exploration of corruption, love, the human spirit, and the struggle for justice in an oppressive regime.

   The 6748th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Sandalwood Death

   

   Set during the Boxer Rebellion in late 19th-century China, the story revolves around a complex web of power, corruption, and tradition. The narrative follows the lives of several characters, including a ruthless executioner, a conflicted magistrate, and a rebellious opera singer, whose fates intertwine in a tale marked by brutality and moral ambiguity. As the characters navigate the tumultuous socio-political landscape, the novel delves into themes of loyalty, justice, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion. The sandalwood death, a torturous execution method, serves as a grim symbol of the era's harsh realities.

   The 10776th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Frog

   

   The novel explores the complex and often tragic consequences of China's one-child policy through the life of Gugu, a midwife in a rural village. As she navigates her professional duties and personal beliefs, Gugu becomes both an enforcer and a victim of the policy, grappling with the ethical and emotional turmoil it brings. The story delves into themes of family, tradition, and the impact of government policies on individual lives, offering a poignant and multifaceted look at a turbulent period in Chinese history.

   The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Life And Death Are Wearing Me Out

   

   The novel is a satirical and imaginative exploration of modern Chinese history, spanning from the 1950s to the early 2000s. It follows the reincarnations of a landowner who is executed during the land reform movement and returns to life as various animals, including a donkey, ox, pig, dog, and monkey. Through these reincarnations, the narrative delves into the social and political changes in rural China, highlighting the absurdities and injustices of the era. The story is rich with humor, folklore, and philosophical reflections, offering a unique perspective on the resilience of the human spirit amidst the tumultuous transformations of the 20th century.

   The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time

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