711 號園: 北京最後的最後紀念

by Yan Lianke, 閻連科

"The garden at Number 711" was writer Yan Lianke's "Walden Pond." This address was admired and envied by many. As Walden, it is serene and idyllic. And it is the last bastion of nature in stark contrast to the bustling Beijing. Although the developer had all the permits but the government tagged it as an illegal construction out of the blue. Yan has no choice but to move within a few days. These essays from this reluctant resident of "The garden at Number 711" is a testimonial and nostalgia to the loss. In Traditional Chinese. Annotation copyright Tsai Fong Books, Inc. Distributed by Tsai Fong Books, Inc.

296 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Yan Lianke (simplified Chinese: 阎连科; traditional Chinese: 閻連科; pinyin: Yán Liánkē; Wade–Giles: Yen Lien-k'e, born 1958) is a Chinese writer of novels and short stories based in Beijing. His work is highly satirical, which has resulted in some of his most renowned works being banned.

He started writing in 1978 and his works include: Xia Riluo (夏日落), Serve the People (为人民服务), Enjoyment (受活), and Dream of Ding Village (丁庄梦). He has also published more than ten volumes of short stories. Enjoyment, which was published in 2004, received wide acclaim in China. His literature has been published in various nations, and some of his works have been banned in China.

(Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Yousseif Abdellatif · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and honest: 711 號園: 北京最後的最後紀念 is a moving, uneven book with moments of real beauty. What worked: precise, tender descriptions of ordinary days and a heroine you'd want as a neighbor. What didn't: the middle sags and a few scenes feel stretched. Recommend for patient, reflective readers, skip for anyone who wants a quick read.