The Vagrants by Yiyun Li
Set in a small Chinese town during the late 1970s, the story unfolds around the execution of a young woman named Gu Shan, a former political prisoner. Her death acts as a catalyst, revealing the complex and often harrowing lives of the town's residents, from a disillusioned teacher and a fervent revolutionary to a grieving mother and a pair of young lovers. As the community grapples with the oppressive political climate and their own personal struggles, the narrative delves into themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for dignity amidst pervasive fear and repression.
The 8941st greatest book of all time
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- Published
- 2009
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Moderate
- Pages
- 350-400
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 19th on 20 Best Chinese Fiction Books of the 20th Century (Time Out Beijing )
- 23rd on Top 25 Best Fiction Books on China: Understanding Contemporary China through Modern Literary Fiction (What’s on Weibo)