Sorgho rouge mo yan biography

Reading Mo Yan's latest novel, Wa frogs, , is both rewarding and unsettling. Like all his previous works, this one is full of action and drama. But while his earlier works created heroic protagonists like "My Grandpa" and "My Grandma" who waged war against Japanese invaders in the past, Frog chronicles the painful, almost bizarre, modernization of the "Northeast Gaomi Township", which Mo has created over the past decades based on his rural hometown in East China's Shangdong province.

We follow their life together which is by no means without its problems. Both go off with other partners for a while. After single-handedly disposing of the bandit Spotted Neck and his men, Yu becomes a bandit, in an era when banditry was common. Things change when the Japanese arrive. They build a highway to the village and, to do so, take the donkeys of the villagers and force the men to work on their road.

Not surprisingly, the villagers do not take kindly to this, in particular Uncle Arbut. Uncle Arbut resists, is imprisoned and then escapes. He is caught and his fate is distinctly unpleasant. Meanwhile, various groups have been set up to resist the Japanese, one led by Yu and the other two led by Pocky Leng and Little Foot Jiang, respectively.

Unfortunately, the three groups seem to hate each other as much as they hate the Japanese. In-between fighting the Japanese, the three groups fight each other. In a short aside, the novel flashes forward to the gruesome scene of his grandmother's body being exhumed from its wartime mass grave to receive a proper burial. When a stranger arrives to the funeral on a mule, he meets his own brutal death.

War brought the family much misery, and a good deal of the novel is retelling stories about family men who died or were captured and tortured. Sometimes, the family's passionate appetite for sex leads to incest. Uncle Arhat 's story is told. Uncle Arhat was captured and tortured by the Japanese, allegedly for treason. He is skinned alive. While 'Red Sorghum' is a work of fiction, it is inspired by the experiences of the author's family and the historical events of the time.

Estimated read time: 5 min read One Sentence Summary A multi-generational tale of love, war, and resilience set in a Chinese village during the Japanese occupation. Introduction "Red Sorghum" by Mo Yan is a captivating novel that delves into the lives of the characters in a rural village in China. Brief Synopsis The novel is set in the backdrop of the Chinese countryside during the Japanese invasion.

Plot Overview and Setting The story is set in the vast and picturesque landscapes of Shandong, China, known for its sprawling sorghum fields and traditional distilleries. Main Characters The novel features a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the richness of the storytelling. Here are some of the main characters and brief descriptions: Character Description Yu Zhan'ao Head of the Shandong family and the sorghum distillery, known for his strong will and leadership.

Jiu'er Yu Zhan'ao's granddaughter, a resilient and spirited young woman who becomes a central figure in the story. Grandpa Jiu'er's grandfather, known for his wisdom and deep connection to the land. Luohan A mysterious and enigmatic figure who plays a pivotal role in the lives of the villagers.

Sorgho rouge mo yan biography

The Japanese Invaders Representing the external threat and the backdrop of war that shapes the characters' lives. Summary of Different Story Points Over Chapters Chapter 1: The Shandong Family and the Sorghum Distillery The novel introduces the Shandong family and their sorghum distillery, highlighting the significance of the industry in the village and the family's legacy.

Chapter 2: Jiu'er's Resilience Jiu'er, the spirited granddaughter of Yu Zhan'ao, emerges as a central character. Chapter 3: Love and Sacrifice The theme of love and sacrifice takes center stage as the characters grapple with the harsh realities of war. Chapter 4: The Japanese Invasion The Japanese invasion intensifies, bringing chaos and upheaval to the village.

Chapter 5: Resilience and Defiance Amidst the turmoil, the villagers display remarkable resilience and defiance in the face of oppression.