Status Updates From Old Floating Cloud: Two Nov...

Finished the first novella, Yellow Mud Street. I understand why it's so incredibly gross and the point it was making, but that doesn't mean it was a treat to get through. Eugh. Could have been half the length and not lost anything. Hoping Old Floating Cloud has fewer maggots and pieces of excrement. :/

I suspect this was not the best Can Xue to start with, besides needing a strong stomach to get through, the first novella also requires a good deal of knowledge about the Cultural Revolution to get why a strong stomach is needed/why it is told as it is. Powerful work, but man.

Wonderful so far - sparse, bleak, and surreal.

How could people not feel sleepy? It was because of the sunlit and enchanting scenery of spring, or the charming autumn scenery, or the short summer night, or the good-for-nothing winter weather. Every season provided its own excuse for being sleepy. And besides, it was better to sleep til noon to save a meal. The lower the energy drain, the less reason for eating.

I want to read everything Can Xue has ever written!!!!

I am really enjoying this, it falls into a very singular niche on my bookshelf inhabited by the likes of Amos Tutuola, and Gisele Prassinos!