Memories of Peking: South Side Stories

by Lin Hai-Yin, Nancy Ing (Translation), Chi Pang-Yuan (Translation)

Through the keen eyes and curious mind of a young girl, Ying-tzu, we are given a glimpse into the adult world of Peking in the 1920s. Exploring ideas of loss and bewilderment, Lin Hai-yin carefully captures the transition from childhood to adulthood. Shielded by a child’s innocence, we are taken on a journey of discovery as Ying-tzu grapples with the uncertainties of human relationships as well as her developing awareness of the world around her.

Genres: China

228 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2020

Reviews

[Stuart Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read ‘Memories of Peking: South Side Stories’ today, and it made me realize that need to read more Chinese literature as I’ve always enjoyed what has been recommended to me. This one, given as a gift to me by one of my students reminded me very much of ‘Huo Zhe,’ which is possibly my favourite Chinese novel. Both very poignant and from similar eras.

It’s a pity I couldn’t recognize the names of the streets of Beijing, written in the old form of spelling. However, having spent a lot of time in Beijing’s hutongs, I had very clear imagery throughout this novel, and brought back often hilarious memories of our antics on some of those dusty lanes.

One of the last sentences I found very touching: ‘Let the reality of childhood days pass away, but keep the spirit of childhood forever alive’. This in many ways sums up what I believe about how we go through life, we grow up but should always keep young in spirit, preventing us from ever really growing old and boring.

I love this book.

[Sophie Wu · Rating 5 out of 5]

idk where my mum sourced this from but thank goodness my copy is has an english translation.

I plan to read Journey To The West chinese literature is just built different I think i almost cried reading this