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Речные заводи
«Речные заводи» («Шуйху чжуань») – авантюрно-героическая эпопея, основанная на народных сказаниях и драмах, в которой воспевается крестьянское восстание под руководством Сун Цзяна (XII в.). Наибольшее распространение роман получил в обработке Цзинь Шэн-таня (XVII в.), с которой переведён на русский и другие европейские языки. Герои его варианта эпопеи порывают с обществом и создают своеобразную вольницу, царство равенства и братства. Ближе к подлиннику, видимо, варианты, состоящие из 100 и 120 глав. Многие эпизоды и сцены, написанные живым разговорным языком, стали излюбленной темой уличных рассказчиков. Композиция и художественная манера весьма точно воспроизводят приёмы устного народного сказа.Источник – БСЭ
498 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1963
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 7, 2018
Нямам нито багажа, нито познанията за да пиша ревю точно на тази книга. Още повече, че историята продължава директно във втория том и явно е разделена на две, само за да не счупи нечия китка.
Все пак ще изложа някой впечатления.
От години съм се заблуждавал, че „Речни заливи“, както се казваше първото издание, е книга за трицарствието. Доста се изненадах, че действието се развива няколко века по-късно. Въпреки това книгата много бързо ме увлече. В началото на дванадесети век имаме една доста по-улегнала и неразкъсвана от големи войни Поднебесна, за това и в книгата, поне в първата част, няма грандиозни битки с десетки хиляди войници и хитри и умели пълководци. За сметка на това е пълна с единоборства и със симпатични престъпници – някой принудени да минат оттатък закона, някой откровени гамени.
Типично по китайски, или поне така съм чел, повествованието е изпълнено с десетки герои, чиито съдби се събират и разминават, историите се преплитат, разплитат и затварят една в друга. Времето отделено на някой персонаж е напълно хаотично – за някой има по пет глави, за други по 1-2 страници.
На фона на приключенията на тези симпатяги, които бавно, но сигурно се събират в една бандитска държава в държавата, виждаме една пълна картина на Китай от онова време. От простия уличен продавач, до висшия имперски съновник; от изхранващият се с човешко месо съдържател на кръчма, до благородния военен, който обича да помага на безпризорни гамени. Другото което ми грабна окото беше зверската корупция на системата. Всички взимаха подкупи, от околийския началник, до последния войник, даже съседите си бутаха подаръци. Изобщо моралът няма абсолютно нищо общо с това с което сме свикнали, а насилието е неизменна част от съществуването. Има и десетки многопластови схеми, които всички си играят едни други – една проста измама или отмъщение се изгражда с месеци, за да включи всичко необходимо за пълното и безотказно постигане на целта.
В книгата се изпиха сигурно 15 цистерни вино и се изядоха 50 билюка овце, поне 20 хергелета коне и 50 стада крави, а и няколко човека.
Направо почвам втората, за да видя какво се случва със Сун Дзинян, Лу Джишън, Чао Гай, У Юн, Гунсун Шън, Лин Чун, Лю Тан, братята Уан, Байшън, Хуа Син, Цин Мин и прочие бабаити – над 30 са и всеки си има история и собствен чар.
Все пак ще изложа някой впечатления.
От години съм се заблуждавал, че „Речни заливи“, както се казваше първото издание, е книга за трицарствието. Доста се изненадах, че действието се развива няколко века по-късно. Въпреки това книгата много бързо ме увлече. В началото на дванадесети век имаме една доста по-улегнала и неразкъсвана от големи войни Поднебесна, за това и в книгата, поне в първата част, няма грандиозни битки с десетки хиляди войници и хитри и умели пълководци. За сметка на това е пълна с единоборства и със симпатични престъпници – някой принудени да минат оттатък закона, някой откровени гамени.
Типично по китайски, или поне така съм чел, повествованието е изпълнено с десетки герои, чиито съдби се събират и разминават, историите се преплитат, разплитат и затварят една в друга. Времето отделено на някой персонаж е напълно хаотично – за някой има по пет глави, за други по 1-2 страници.
На фона на приключенията на тези симпатяги, които бавно, но сигурно се събират в една бандитска държава в държавата, виждаме една пълна картина на Китай от онова време. От простия уличен продавач, до висшия имперски съновник; от изхранващият се с човешко месо съдържател на кръчма, до благородния военен, който обича да помага на безпризорни гамени. Другото което ми грабна окото беше зверската корупция на системата. Всички взимаха подкупи, от околийския началник, до последния войник, даже съседите си бутаха подаръци. Изобщо моралът няма абсолютно нищо общо с това с което сме свикнали, а насилието е неизменна част от съществуването. Има и десетки многопластови схеми, които всички си играят едни други – една проста измама или отмъщение се изгражда с месеци, за да включи всичко необходимо за пълното и безотказно постигане на целта.
В книгата се изпиха сигурно 15 цистерни вино и се изядоха 50 билюка овце, поне 20 хергелета коне и 50 стада крави, а и няколко човека.
Направо почвам втората, за да видя какво се случва със Сун Дзинян, Лу Джишън, Чао Гай, У Юн, Гунсун Шън, Лин Чун, Лю Тан, братята Уан, Байшън, Хуа Син, Цин Мин и прочие бабаити – над 30 са и всеки си има история и собствен чар.
February 10, 2017
Written sometime in the 14th century, this volume contains the first-half of the earliest of the "Four Great Classical novels" of China. It depicts a world in which, because of a very corrupt government, righteous 'heroes' are branded as criminals, punished and who then become outlaws. Featuring stunningly well-rounded characters (both male and female!) robust action scenes, brilliant dialogue, and a great deal of humor, this novel will significantly expand our perceptions of what a "novel" is. Can't wait to start the second part!
May 3, 2026
Благородные разбойники, этакие средневековые китайские Дубровские, ушедшие по ту сторону закона из-за чиновничьего произвола и государственного беззакония.
Что делают? Пьют, едят, дебоширят и восстанавливают справедливость по мере недюжинных сил своих.
Читается хорошо, как полу-сказки, полу-легенды. Чуть больше начинаешь понимать китайский характер и культуру: близкого человека, пусть и преступника, надо во что бы то ни стало покрывать, среди преступников немало честных людей, ч-л не угодивших власти, да и вообще от тюрьмы да сумы не зарекайся.
Что делают? Пьют, едят, дебоширят и восстанавливают справедливость по мере недюжинных сил своих.
Читается хорошо, как полу-сказки, полу-легенды. Чуть больше начинаешь понимать китайский характер и культуру: близкого человека, пусть и преступника, надо во что бы то ни стало покрывать, среди преступников немало честных людей, ч-л не угодивших власти, да и вообще от тюрьмы да сумы не зарекайся.
June 12, 2018
Although at times it became tedious (page after page of battle scenes) and it was extremely long, overall I must say that I quite enjoyed the book. The chapters centered around character’s personal stories were very interesting and I feel that my knowledge of historical Chinese culture has greatly improved.
September 15, 2018
This book is universally recognised as a masterpiece, so nobody needs me to point out that it's good... Just a couple of notes for the daunted reader:
I was striken by how modern the narration felt. There are dozens of characters, yet they all have developed personalities, salient traits, come from different backgrounds, bring their specific skills and quirks to the group... Also, unlike the picaresque novels that were popular in Europe until well into the 18th century, this one grows in one (long) arc, from beginning to end, taking account previous evolutions and slowly changing as it nears its climax. I may have been overly influenced by the history of European literature, because I didn't quite expect anything like this.
Of course, the sheer length and number of characters make it difficult to avoid feelings of repetition. The same patterns come back regularly: one of the main characters meets another, they recognise each other's worth, then the second character's story develops on its own, until he is ready to join the band of outlaws. Some of these characters are initially portrayed as brutes whose valour is going to shine through after a while, others are loyal men forced into clandestinity by a corrupt government, others yet start out as enemies of the initial band of heroes and end up joining forces with them after recognising their virtue and bravery; it's more or less the same arc repeated over and over, albeit with variations and clear evolutions as the band grows stronger and more feared. There were times when I ended up putting the book down for a while, and picking up something else to read. Nonetheless, it never grew to the point that I found it outright boring; the setting and plot were vivid enough to prevent that. This is not, I suppose, a 'modern' aspect of the novel (you can easily imagine how lively pacing and vivid descriptions would be essential when reading a book aloud to an audience), but the result was just as efficient at conveying the atmosphere as with modern historical novels.
An aspect that puzzled me a little, however (again, this is a note to readers who may not be expert on Chinese history!) was the ethics displayed in the book, and the place given to violence and cruelty. Even characters who are portrayed as brave, chivalrous, just, merciful, perfectly virtuous in every respect... can end up slaughtering the innocent families of their enemies. And as for enemies themselves, they regularly end up tortured, and even butchered and served at the heroes' table! Not that I was offended or anything (this is not a contemporary book, remember!), but it required a few psychological adjustments not to be repulsed at times. Another point I had trouble with was the fact that, save for a couple of women who join the band, every single female character is portrayed as greedy, deceitful, and causes the misery of the men around her until she gets her comeuppance. Again, I have no problem with this, but be warned that in reading this book, you may have to shrug off a few really unsavoury details if you want to keep feeling entertained. Personally, it made me wish I knew more about Chinese history, and in particular, the evolution of Chinese values over time. I think I'll do my best to catch up when I get time!
A book I'd recommend reading, even to people who aren't particularly fond of mediaeval literature; just don't feel that you have to read it in one go (the plot is simple enough to follow, even if you take a break to read something else in the middle).
I was striken by how modern the narration felt. There are dozens of characters, yet they all have developed personalities, salient traits, come from different backgrounds, bring their specific skills and quirks to the group... Also, unlike the picaresque novels that were popular in Europe until well into the 18th century, this one grows in one (long) arc, from beginning to end, taking account previous evolutions and slowly changing as it nears its climax. I may have been overly influenced by the history of European literature, because I didn't quite expect anything like this.
Of course, the sheer length and number of characters make it difficult to avoid feelings of repetition. The same patterns come back regularly: one of the main characters meets another, they recognise each other's worth, then the second character's story develops on its own, until he is ready to join the band of outlaws. Some of these characters are initially portrayed as brutes whose valour is going to shine through after a while, others are loyal men forced into clandestinity by a corrupt government, others yet start out as enemies of the initial band of heroes and end up joining forces with them after recognising their virtue and bravery; it's more or less the same arc repeated over and over, albeit with variations and clear evolutions as the band grows stronger and more feared. There were times when I ended up putting the book down for a while, and picking up something else to read. Nonetheless, it never grew to the point that I found it outright boring; the setting and plot were vivid enough to prevent that. This is not, I suppose, a 'modern' aspect of the novel (you can easily imagine how lively pacing and vivid descriptions would be essential when reading a book aloud to an audience), but the result was just as efficient at conveying the atmosphere as with modern historical novels.
An aspect that puzzled me a little, however (again, this is a note to readers who may not be expert on Chinese history!) was the ethics displayed in the book, and the place given to violence and cruelty. Even characters who are portrayed as brave, chivalrous, just, merciful, perfectly virtuous in every respect... can end up slaughtering the innocent families of their enemies. And as for enemies themselves, they regularly end up tortured, and even butchered and served at the heroes' table! Not that I was offended or anything (this is not a contemporary book, remember!), but it required a few psychological adjustments not to be repulsed at times. Another point I had trouble with was the fact that, save for a couple of women who join the band, every single female character is portrayed as greedy, deceitful, and causes the misery of the men around her until she gets her comeuppance. Again, I have no problem with this, but be warned that in reading this book, you may have to shrug off a few really unsavoury details if you want to keep feeling entertained. Personally, it made me wish I knew more about Chinese history, and in particular, the evolution of Chinese values over time. I think I'll do my best to catch up when I get time!
A book I'd recommend reading, even to people who aren't particularly fond of mediaeval literature; just don't feel that you have to read it in one go (the plot is simple enough to follow, even if you take a break to read something else in the middle).
January 16, 2019
A massive book, including Volume 2. Although it's 800 years old, I found the book relatable. I guess a lot of human nature doesn't change.
I also liked the idea that my ancestors (whom I will probably never know) have read this book and enjoyed it like I did.
There's a lot of violence (it's an old book about revolution against corruptness). Some of the violence is gratuitous, which happens to be around my taste. There are an enormous number of characters, probably around 100, but they are all characterized well. You feel for many of them.
And ancient Asian ideals about honor and respect I seem to know very well, as in Taiwan (where I was born), many of these fundamental ideals did not change. My parents certainly didn't change much to the American ideals when we moved. I think it might be an inside joke to non-Asians how some behaviors are, and I like that too.
I actually haven't read this book in about two years, so I can't remember many details, but it is definitely one of the best books I have ever read, according to my taste.
I also liked the idea that my ancestors (whom I will probably never know) have read this book and enjoyed it like I did.
There's a lot of violence (it's an old book about revolution against corruptness). Some of the violence is gratuitous, which happens to be around my taste. There are an enormous number of characters, probably around 100, but they are all characterized well. You feel for many of them.
And ancient Asian ideals about honor and respect I seem to know very well, as in Taiwan (where I was born), many of these fundamental ideals did not change. My parents certainly didn't change much to the American ideals when we moved. I think it might be an inside joke to non-Asians how some behaviors are, and I like that too.
I actually haven't read this book in about two years, so I can't remember many details, but it is definitely one of the best books I have ever read, according to my taste.
October 10, 2021
Water Margin consists of an endless series of folktales about priests, military men and bandits. Each one is a joy to read, with exciting narration putting us in the lives of these fellows who are torn between a corrupt government and lawless bandits who rob, murder and even eat(!) the villagers. The men go on endless adventures involving bonding, bribery, escapes and sheer nepotism. However, the stories do feel repetitive and confusing after a while, as they shift focus very abruptly and it is hard to keep track of all the characters and how they are related to each other. In this regard, it's not as bad as Romance of the Three Kingdoms though.
June 4, 2019
Hay và lôi cuốn, nhưng mình thật sự không cảm nổi các vị anh hùng trong quyển 1 này (trừ Lâm Xung, Dương Chí, Tiều Cái và Sử Văn Tiến), tất cả dường như có thói nát rượu (kể cả Võ Tòng) và các vụ say sự ẩu đá chém giết cũng toàn từ đây mà ra. Bộ này của Đông A bìa cứng in rất đẹp với nhiều tranh minh họa, duy có lời bình của Thánh Thán là mình chưa hiểu rõ lắm
March 20, 2023
Reminds me of The Romance of the Three Kingdoms in style, even if the events in the story are different and the characters aren't as noble as the three main characters from The Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
I will continue reading part 2, before reviewing the both.
I will continue reading part 2, before reviewing the both.
May 28, 2019
whenever 鲁智深's not in the chapter, all 107 other characters should be asking, "where's 鲁智深?"
January 6, 2021
Mỗi lần đọc lại là 1 cảm nhận khác nhau! Đọc lịch sử trên lập trường người xưa, đọc lịch sử trên lập trường ngày nay và đọc lịch sử trên lập trường của mình. Đúng lắm!
September 13, 2021
Great story, in quite archaic prose. Remember the TV series from many years ago, and loved this book.
March 5, 2022
Read this for my premodern Chinese novels class. I enjoyed the commentaries and critical analyses for this book even though I found it deeply misogynistic and disturbing.
January 15, 2023
One of my favorite books ever!
February 9, 2017
This is the seventy chapter version of this book, as opposed to the 100 chapter version, over which doubts exist as to whether the original author penned the final 30 chapters.
This volume is the first thirty three chapters, in which we witness:
Marshal Hong releasing the 108 spirits, the introduction of the 'original seven' outlaws, and their robbing of the birthday gifts, and then the introduction and stories of several other heroes.
This volume is the first thirty three chapters, in which we witness:
Marshal Hong releasing the 108 spirits, the introduction of the 'original seven' outlaws, and their robbing of the birthday gifts, and then the introduction and stories of several other heroes.
February 19, 2016
Sprawling adventure novel with many characters whose stories intertwine throughout the novel. Very impressive work considering it was written in the 13th century. Tends to get a bit repetitive. I am getting a bit bored with the formula- hero captured or sent to jail, helped by people who recognize him/ respect his reputation, kills the people who unfairly imprisoned him, repeat- but I'm determined to power through the other half the novel.
May 21, 2015
I read this a long time ago, it's a short version. I'm planning on reading the Shapiro version Volume 1 to start to see if a more modern translation helps.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews