Sunday, January 24, 2021

The Big Red Book of Modern Chinese Literature Edited by Yunte Huang

 

 Here's some Medieval Dances.

 

 Sorry, I've been out of circulation.  New Year's Day, my mother became ill and had to go to the hospital.  A few days later, she passed into the arms of her Savior.  I was holding her in my arms when she breathed her last. From my arms to His. It will be one of my most precious memories of her.

 


 

A very interesting anthology of Chinese writers of the 20th century. A lot of poetry and excerpts from longer works.

I felt it gave me a good taste of the transformation, or I should say, the many transformations that have taken place in China in the past century. Each writer has his own unique view of his country and society.

Some of them are written in the manner of a folk tale, others are surreal and others simply good fiction that reveals reality.

What I did not realize is that while Christianity and Islam are illegal (except for state sanctioned churches) many Chinese still practice Buddhism and even become monks. Is it because the roots are too deep to uprooted? Or does Buddhism pose no threat to the government.

Preceding each work is a brief biography of the author, which, to me, was just as interesting as their writing.

 

 


 

 

 

 

                                 Frances May Barrow February 3, 1937-January 14, 2021

                                        Her faith is now sight.  Revelation 7:15-17

 

22 comments:

Marcia Strykowski said...

Hi Sharon,

I'm so sorry about your mother. Must have been very difficult to go through, especially with all that's going on in the world. I'm glad you were there with her in the end, though. Her picture is beautiful!

I hardly ever log in lately, been busy tending to my own elderly parents (94 + 95) but want you to know I still enjoy reading your book reviews and seeing your birds and paintings.

Sending peaceful thoughts your way and hoping fond memories will help bring you comfort.

Marcia

Ruth @ with freedom and books said...

Sharon, I am so sorry to hear about your mom's passing, yet, what a blessing it was for you to be with her at that time. :(

mudpuddle said...

i've read some Chinese lit in the past and found it enlightening... particularly Zen poetry (I won a prize from a japanese monastery for one of my haiku once). it altered my thinking quite a bit, actually...

RTD said...

Condolences, Sharon.

Debbie Nolan said...

Dear Sharon I so understand your loss and am truly sad for you but yes to be home in His arms is better than any of us can imagine. My beloved mom is on a ventilator as I write and we cannot be with her. So glad you could be with your Mom. Take care friend...We do not grieve as others because we know we will be united with those who love the Lord. God Bless!

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Ruth,

Thank you. It was something I had been dreading for years. She was diagnosed with lung cancer, but her decline had been slow but steady and in the end, I'm glad that she is eternally free. Imagine living without the presence of sin!

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi mudpuddle,

See? I knew you were a good writer. Do you write much haiku? I enjoy reading it. I have a collection of Basho.

I'd be interested in how it altered your thinking.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Thanks, R.T. I really appreciate it.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Debbie,

I am so sad that you are separated from her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I really miss hugging and kissing my mother, something I did a lot as she lay there in the hospital bed and, unfortunately not enough while she was alive and well.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Marcia,

So glad to hear from you. I had been wondering if I was missing your posts. I guess it is our season to care for our parents. Wow, 94 and 95. I hope my dad lives that long. His mother lived to be 100. Now if I can just get him to move over here.

Praying for your parents health and that you have precious moments with them as long as you can!

Carol said...

Oh Sharon, so sorry to hear this news of your mother. I know she had been ill for a while but how do you really prepare for this type of loss? So precious that you were able to be with her. I'd been thinking of you & praying. X

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Carol,


Thank you. I know you understand and have been through this kind of loss yourself. I think God has been very gracious to my family by letting my mother slowly fade over the years so it has not been as traumatic as it has been for others.

I do miss hugging and kissing her. I wish I had done that more often.

Cleo said...

Aw, I'm so sad to hear about your mother, Sharon. My mother passed away last year around this time and she was the same age as your mom. Yet while it's sad it's also comforting to know they are with their Heavenly Father now.

My brother travelled to China a couple of years ago for business and when he was in a Buddhist temple, he asked them what they thought of Christianity. The person he spoke with said they thought it was good and the government was getting more lenient towards it. Apparently there is a town in China that is about 2/3 Christian and many people are starting to go there to transact business because they know people are honest and the economy around this town is growing. So the person said the government sees this and is supportive of it but of course, probably under their control. It was interesting to hear nevertheless.

Ruth @ with freedom and books said...

I can only imagine! And how wonderful that it means no more suffering. Something man is always at work to eliminate in his earthly life.

mudpuddle said...

bumping about
inside an aging body
clear wind in the trees


what can i say, they just pop into the old brainpan, haha...

Sharon Wilfong said...

Ooh...I like it! I like any kind of poetry that produces mental pictures. I know what you mean about an aging body. The brain wants to do more than it can.

Sharon Wilfong said...

HI Ruth,

So true. I don't think of her as that aged person because she's not anymore and never will be again. I like this photo of her, because I think it's closer to how she is.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Hi Cleo,

It would be ironic, wouldn't it, for Christianity to flourish in China while it dies off here.

I'm sorry about your mother as well. I think Carol at Journey and Destination also lost her mother this time last year.

Stephen said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your mother! I can't imagine what's that's like. I hope you and your family are able to find some peace.

Regarding Christianity in China, AFAIK there are state-sanctioned branches of some religions where a neutered version is allowed to exist, with oversight from the high priests of China's state cult.

Sharon Wilfong said...

Thank you, Stephen. We do have peace. My mother fought a hard battle and finally won.

My son is living in China and has been looking for a church but foreigners may not go to native churches. He can only go to a church for foreigners and you have to show your passport for admittance. We don't know how good we have it here.

Marian H said...

Sharon, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. You're in my prayers. <3

This looks like a good anthology, I will keep it in mind for when I read Chinese literature.

Sharon Wilfong said...

HI Marion,
I think you'd like this book. I hope you review it afterward. I'd like to know what you think.

Thank you for your prayers.