On October 24, a book-sharing event for the novel “Taihe” took place in Beijing, marking one of the key activities of the 9th Beijing October Literature Month. This event was co-hosted by the Beijing Publishing Group, Beijing October Literature and Art Publishing House, and PAGEONE Bookstore.
During the event, author Yin Xueyun engaged in a literary dialogue about “Taihe” with distinguished guests including writer Qiu Huadong, Beijing Second Foreign Language University Professor Li Linrong, critic Yue Wen, and Hu Xiaozhou, the deputy editor-in-chief of Beijing October Literature and Art Publishing House. They shared insights on the life experiences of an ordinary rural woman and the traditional philosophies that weave through her century-long existence with both in-person and online readers.
Yin Xueyun, President of the Tianjin Writers Association and a full committee member of the Chinese Writers Association, revealed that “Taihe” tells the story of Pan Meirong, a rural woman sold into child marriage at a young age. As she nears her centenary, she reflects on her long life while bedridden after an injury. Through Pan Meirong’s perspective and against the backdrop of Taihewa, the novel portrays a woman’s struggles and growth within traditional society, exploring her search for identity amidst the intertwining of reality and illusion.
“I began creating ‘Taihe’ in 2020, but the material for this novel has been part of my life for many years,” Yin noted, sharing her original intention to use Pan Meirong’s story to examine women’s roles and status in society, and how they maintain their sense of self amidst the currents of history.
Li Linrong described “Taihe” as a narrative that reveals the anxieties and pressures of life across different ages and identities through the lens of a rural elder. “’Taihe’ offers a closer possibility to the realities of life. Regardless of the grandeur of one’s achievements or the twists and turns they face, at the core of life are universal feelings of joy and sorrow, desires, and the trials of character,” he explained.
Yue Wen reflected on Pan Meirong’s emotional journey, describing her as a “boat without a mooring,” floating through life without anyone to anchor her. “This is the poignant reality of life. When ‘Taihe’ captures this essence, the novel resonates with our own experiences and reminds us how to navigate our existence,” she expressed.
Qiu Huadong praised the novel for its detailed depictions and unique tone, particularly noting the understanding of time and narrative structure. “In ‘Taihe,’ time continually flashes back, condensing 99 years of life into a present timeline. This is a way for modern readers to comprehend time and engage with narrative—a reflection of the modern condition.”
Hu Xiaozhou added that “Taihe” incorporates elements of genre literature, with the protagonist’s recollections of her humiliations, discontent, and struggles intricately woven with solid details and a tight plot. “This creates a process where the novelist ties and unties the narrative, generating suspense that greatly satisfies readers’ expectations,” he concluded.
