A Chinese classic that provides the definition of love, relationship and familial value toward life and death. Jiang Yang's family is a good example for all families by being a caring, kind, intelligence but humbling group at the times when the majority in China, writers in particular, was struggling with political events such as Anti-Rightist Movement.
Jiang Yang used simple language to describe all the joyful and tough times spent together with her spouse (Zhongshu Qian ,錢鍾書) and daughter (Qian Yuan,錢瑗) as well as the love between them that usually cannot be described with words alone. You can not only understand what the two of them had achieved and how proud she was to have them, but also feel how sorry you would be for her sorrow, especially when you realise she had to spend the rest of her life without her loved ones.
I read the original Chinese version. It was so popular book in China indeed because of the death of the writer in 2016, in her 105 years old age. What this family suffered was very impressive, which I believe they are having such beautiful hearts and souls. And thanks to their contribution on Chinese literature, translation, and academic areas. I respect this old lady since she has such a brave heart to write this family biography in her age of 92 after losing her daughter and husband. But, however, as a critical reader, I think there are some missing information, which relates to her husband and his female student. I also think it is not appropriate to mention here. Although the family relationships are very nice and warm, there is also another side... I hope every reader can be critical, don't just believe what it presents to you.
The three chapter allegory of parting ways with her husband and daughter are some of the most melancholic I've ever read. But all in all I would say it's not a sad book, it's a lovely book. One of the least toxic books on intimate familial relations I've ever read coming out of Asia - sad that's so rare tbh.
128-Three of us-Yang Jiang-Essays-2003 Barack 2017/07/ 15 2020/05/ 20
—— In the spring of 1932, Yang Jiang met Qian Zhongshu at the gate of Gu Yuetang of Tsinghua University. The two met at once and talked freely. Qian Zhongshu eagerly clarified: "The outside world says that I am engaged. This is not a fact. Please don't believe it." Yang Jiang also took the opportunity to explain: "There are rumors that there are as many as seventy-two Confucian disciples who pursue me. Some people say that Fei Xiaotong is my boyfriend. This is not true either."
"The Three of Us" was first published in China in 2003. Collected books. It is a concise and heavy language, recalls has left her daughter Qian Yuan, the husband money Chung books, as well as a family of three of those happy and difficult, love and pain of life.
Yang Jiang, whose real name is Yang Jikang , was born in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province in 1911 and died in 2016. In 1928, Jiang Jiang single-mindedly applied for the Foreign Languages Department of Tsinghua University, but there was no place in the South, so Yang Jiang had to transfer to Suzhou Soochow University. In 1932, he studied at Tsinghua University from Soochow University in Suzhou and got to know Qian Zhongshu. In 1935, Jiang Jiang and Qian Zhongshu married and went to study in England and France with her husband in the summer of the same year. Representative works: "The Three of Us", "Going to the Edge of Life", "Bath", "Six Notes of Cadre School", etc.
Part of the catalog 1. We are getting old 2. The three of us are separated 3. I miss the three of us alone
Mr. Yang Jiang was born in 1911, his only daughter Qian Yuan died of spinal cancer in 1997, her husband Qian Zhongshu died in 1998, "We Three" was published in 2003, and Mr. Yang Jiang passed away in 2016. The heart-wrenching sadness is expressed in temperate language, which makes people very heart-shaking.
At the age of 17, Yang Jiang failed to apply for Tsinghua University and had to attend Soochow University in Suzhou. At the age of 21, Yang Jiang went to Tsinghua University to study and met Qian Zhongshu. At the age of 24, he was married to Qian Zhongshu because Yang Jiang failed to obtain the qualification to study abroad at public expense, and Qian Zhongshu obtained the qualification to study abroad at public expense. Yang Jiang accompanied Qian Zhongshu in Oxford University and Paris University in a similar capacity. Learn.
Yang Jiang’s perspective allows us to put aside the aura brought by the status of the two elders in the literary world, and look at this family from the perspective of ordinary people. Qian Zhongshu's temperament is submissive, he doesn't like rebuttals, he is not good at socializing, he likes to be quiet and he doesn't like to move, and he is even "clumsy." Yang Jiang's awareness of taking the initiative to fight seems to be stronger, he is more active by nature, and seems to be more capable. And Qian during a study of Tsinghua University, Beijing even the most attractions have not been to, during and Yang Jiang Jie Du visited Beijing many places
There is an anecdote like this in the book. While studying at Oxford University, Jiang Jiang just gave birth to Qian Yuan and was recuperating in the hospital. When Qian Zhongshu came to see her once, he said embarrassingly that he overturned the landlord’s ink and soaked the tablecloth. Yang Jiang said, “It’s okay, I will Wash." So Qian Zhongshu went back confidently. Soon after, Qian Zhongshu said that he accidentally smashed the table lamp. Yang Jiang said, "It doesn't matter, I will fix it." After that, Qian Zhongshu broke the door shaft again. Yang Jiang said, "It doesn't matter, I will repair."
When I read this paragraph, I almost laughed out loud. No wonder Yang Jiang jokingly called Qian Zhongshu a "big official", with a three-point dullness. According to ordinary people, the hero and heroine of this story should be changed. It is estimated that nowadays many girls meet this kind of boyfriend, and they will inevitably give a blank look. Qian's " Clumsy hands Clumsy feet" can be seen.
In 1929, Qian Zhongshu was exceptionally admitted by Tsinghua University . Mathematics only scored 15 points, but both Chinese and English were ranked first . In 1938, Qian Zhongshu was exceptionally hired as a professor by Tsinghua University. I have to say that Qian Lao and Tsinghua University are really related. But because Qian Zhongshu's father asked him to go home to " serve", although Qian Zhongshu and Yang Jiang were unwilling to give up Tsinghua's employment, Qian Zhongshu did not dare to challenge the dignity of the elders and had to obey orders.
Later, Qian Zhongshu's father asked his only daughter to marry a teacher he was in love with. The younger sister did not want to marry, so he asked his brother for help. Qian Zhongshu did not dare to violate his father directly, but wrote a letter for his younger sister. As a result, the letter caused the old man "Long Yan furious", and the younger sister finally married the teacher. Filial piety is certainly one reason, but as Qian Zhongshu, who has studied at Tsinghua University and studied in the UK and France, he should have been exposed to some new ideas more or less. These two things also reflect part of his personality and even "adversity." "specialty.
The world's best love about a lot of looks , one of which will be , I'm Qian, Yang Jiang you are. Although it is biased, in the reality that most people can only get married for the sake of living together, it would be a pleasant surprise and surprise if I could "see my only soul mate in the vast sea of people".
Many years ago, Yang Jiang read that the British biographer summarized the ideal marriage: "Before I met her, I never thought of getting married; I have married her for decades, and I never regretted marrying her, nor did I think about marrying. Other women." Yang Jiang read it to Qian Zhongshu, and Qian Zhongshu immediately responded: "I am like him." Yang Jiang replied: "Me too."
People say, "Qian Zhongshu and Yang Jiang began to fall in love at first sight, fell in love each other, and finally fell in love with each other over time." The joy of love is not a necessity, but a luxury. That's why people yearn for it.
Love someone 7 months is that everyone can do it, you love someone 7 years Knut force may also be achieved, to love a person 7 0 years is hard to do things. How many husbands and wives regard each other as enemies after only living together for less than 7 years, so how can they be talking about each other? It's just to reduce the cost of living and barely forget about it.
" I turned around in the middle of the night and waited for Zhong Shu to wake up, and told him that I had a dream, such and such; so I complained that he left me silently and walked on his own. Zhong Shu did not dream for me He defended and only comforted me: It was an old man’s dream, and he often did it. ”
When you are used to and happy to live with someone, she becomes a part of your world. When it was discovered that Yi Shi's bookstore went out of business homely could not help but be sad, let alone a man suddenly leave it. I sometimes envy people who are indifferent. For people and things in life suddenly appeared , they overly joy . I don't feel excessive sorrow for the people and things that will eventually leave . Probably only when you reach this state of mind can you be extraordinary. However, at least for now, I am still a mortal.
" Ayuan stood in the aisle between the bed and the desk, and stopped her father between the desk and the piano. Ayuan proudly said, "Catch it on the spot! "Bell Book shrink themselves despicably small, he closed his eyes and said:" I'm not here! "He couldn't stand up straight with laughter. I could see the smiling waves rolling in his belly through his belly. A Yuan said, "Is there such an alibi?" "(Note: alibi, evidence of alibi.) I couldn't help but laugh. All three were laughing. "
For a man, career and family are the two sides of his life. It doesn't matter which one is more important than the other , neither one is missing, and his life cannot be said to be happy. What is ridiculous is how many men pursue things outside of these two too much. As far as family life is concerned , whether you are a husband or a father , you should have a sense of humor. Only in this way can family life be always full of laughter, and laughter is the bond that connects emotions.
" Waiting is annoying. I told myself not to wait and bury my head in my work. However, when I said no, I waited eagerly. I couldn't get the book in, so I was spinning around at home by myself. It was almost two o'clock and Zhong Shu returned did not come back. I scoop and a half bowl of soup, two spoonfuls of rice bubble, casually eating, lying down cranky. think the thought , suddenly moved a terrible idea. how I can make the bell boarded a book of unknown origin car , I don't know where to go? "
Although it was a peaceful and prosperous age in 1994, there is no danger, but you should be more careful in such details. Yu Dafu just left with the unknown person, and finally disappeared .
" I made a wish to them before I retire. I said: "When I retire, I will make up lessons, I will pay off the debt, and I will cook delicious dishes for you. "I'm only sorry lifetime, I thought I scribbled plug responsibility for housework, no dedicated they both laughed. Said:" Forget it! A Yuan said bluntly, "Mom's knife skills are not good. When I saw Kuai Knife, I was afraid, impatient, and impatient. "Zhong Shu said: "Why should you cook?" You quit, can you take a break? "To be honest, they have never disliked the dishes I cook. As long as I cook them, they always applaud. "
" I asked: Where is ""over there " ? A Yuan said: "I remember. Luo also wordy repetitious many things, anyway, I've got it here. "She showed me the notebook in her purse. She said: "We have to bring both the cash and the bank deposit slip, because the procedures are completed at one time, and the rest will be refunded. If it is insufficient, we cannot make up the procedures halfway. " I think it's more like a kidnapping case, but I didn't dare to say, because Yuan is never confused. "
The place where Qian Zhongshu is located should refer to the hospital. That's why there are a lot of procedures to be done here, and there are fees to be paid. The strict rules for queuing for work are obviously common in hospitals.
" The shopkeeper registered the deposit sheet and explained: "Our house here is simpler, but the management is new. The long and short pavilions on this road have been converted into inns, which are a chain of trains. You don't have to pay any more after you get the sign. Every inn provides food, accommodation and all convenience. Passengers' clothes and daily necessities can be collected at the inn and booked . When the passengers leave the room, they put their things together and hand them to the counter. The passengers on the ship are under the control of the ship and you are not allowed to interfere. Passengers who live in the inn must abide by the rules of our inn. "
He took out a printed warning and a rule. The warning is a red card in black and a big word. (1) Walk along the post road, don’t go where there is no road. (2) Don't go where you can't see. (3) Don't ask anything you don't know. The rules are in black and white, but also in big letters. (1) The sun sets in the front cabin and immediately returns to the inn. The post road is deserted, and even after the gate is bolted at night, the door does not open even after knocking. (2) Every inn, you can rest, convenient, and eat. Don't miss it. (3) Return to the original inn after disembarking. The shopkeeper gave each of us a round card with a number on it, and the north asked us to press our fingerprints, and solemnly instructed us to always carry a card when entering and exiting. Obey the rules and don’t forget to warn, especially the third one, because it is the most difficult to control. It's the mouth. "
" A Yuan stood still and said, "Mom, see that the stern has a number, 311, it's Dad's boat. I saw it too. Yuan went downhill first. I walked behind and said, "Don't worry, I am walking very steadily." "But Yuan has never seen the springboard, so she dared not go. I went up first and reached out to hold her, she walked carefully sideways. Both of them got on the boat. The boat was clean, the rear cabin was empty, and the front cabin was empty. With a clean overall bed, snow-white sheets, and snow-white pillows, it is almost like being in a hospital. Zhong Shu is lying on his side with his abdomen evenly lying together, sleeping very quietly. "
When a person is young and vigorous and proud of the spring breeze, he probably never feels that he has a day when he needs others . But when grown old while men, lying in a hospital bed, probably you will find fame and fortune are not all that important. Only the company of family members is the greatest pleasure.
" Zhong Shu seems to be still sleeping soundly. The blood-red sun behind the cloud hasn't hit the bedside. Suddenly Zhong Shu opened his eyes, looked at us, and said our name as if he were comforting himself: Ji Kang, Yuanyuan We hurriedly told him that the sun shone into the front cabin and we had to go back to the inn. A Yuan said, "I will visit you every week. Mom comes to accompany you every day. It's quiet here. "Zhong Shu said: "I heard it all." "His ears are lingering, he was only half asleep when he fell asleep. At this moment, he suddenly pulled his closed mouth into a straight line, pulled out a mischievous smile, looked at me interestingly and said, "Crimson, are you still dreaming?" I froze for a moment, and said blankly: "I seem to be dreaming right now. "My mouth answered like that, but I knew I didn't answer. I couldn't figure it out for a while. "
If one day we sit in front of our lover’s bed and accompany her . Or maybe we are lying on a sick bed and being guarded by my lover. Probably that is when we have the deepest understanding of the meaning of family affection. There is no way to exchange this kind of feeling for other things . It's just that scenes like this rarely appear in our lives, and we tend to ignore them. Thought it was not important. Others think they do not need care when you can not think they need love , but also think they do not need others to pay care.
" The willows on the embankment began to fall yellow and gradually became bald willows. I walked on the post road every day, walking with my shadow on the fallen leaves. "
I originally didn’t have high expectations of the book since my Chinese teacher recommended it to me and she said its perfect for my level of understanding in Chinese. I’ve never heard of the book before but genuinely really enjoyed it. There were so many beautifully embedded and crafted symbols throughout the story that invites a deeper reflection. For me personably some parts were quite ambiguous but it made so much sense once you finish the novel and realise how it mirrors sad themes and the broader idea of life and death. The order the plot was organised in also created a nice rhythm making it more emotionally impactful. If I had to say one thing that Im unhappy with it would be how severe and heavy the post reading depression made me feel!