Title
Chronicle of a Blood Merchant: A Novel,Used
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A soaring literary achievement from internationally acclaimed writer Yu Hua, whose novels are now appearing in English for the first time, Chronicle of a Blood Merchant provides an unflinching portrait of China under Chairman Mao, as a factory worke must sell his blood to overcome every crisis.Xu Sanguan is a Chinese everymana cartpusher in a silk mill struggling under the cruelty and hardships of Mao? leadership. His meager salary is not enough to sustain his family, so he pays regular visits to the local blood chief, followed by stops at the Victory Restaurant, where he pounds on the table and demands his ritual meal: ? plate of fried pork livers and two shots of yellow rice wine. And warm the wine up for me.?ut fried pork livers and yellow rice wine are not enough to restore Xu Sanguan. With the country in the throes of the Cultural Revolution, his visits to the blood chief become lethally frequent and his obligations to his family press against him mercilessly. At the height of famine, the Xu family lies motionless in bed, rising twice a day to consume increasingly watery rations of corn gruel. Xu Sanguan? wife is forced to stand on a stool in the center of town wearing a sandwich board that reads ?rostitute.?Yile, his wife? bastard son, forever haunts Xu Sanguan? sense of honor. And when Xu Sanguan sells his blood so he can take his family out to a proper meal, he does not invite Yile, who paces the town, famished and in tears, offering himself as a son to any man who will buy him a bowl of noodles.In a series of heartbreaking reversals, Xu Sanguan decides to risk his own life to save Yile and comes to understand that in a society ravaged by suspicion, hostility, and poverty, blood money not only pays debts, but forgives them as well. With rare emotional intensity, grippingly raw descriptions of place and time, and cleareyed compassion, Yu Hua gives us a stunning tapestry of human life in the grave particulars of one man? days.
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- Q: What is the page count of 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant'? A: This book has two hundred seventy-two pages. It provides an in-depth exploration of life in China under Chairman Mao.
- Q: What is the binding type of this novel? A: This novel is available in hardcover binding. Hardcover books are more durable and suited for long-term reading.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point eight three inches long, one point two six inches wide, and eight point five two inches tall. These dimensions make it easy to hold and read.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant'? A: The author is Yu Hua, an internationally acclaimed writer known for his poignant storytelling and deep insights into Chinese society.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This is a literary novel. It explores complex themes of survival and human dignity in a challenging socio-political context.
- Q: How do I read 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant'? A: You can read this book by purchasing it or borrowing it from a library. It is suitable for adults and older teens due to its mature themes.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: No, this book is not recommended for young readers. It addresses serious themes related to poverty and societal issues.
- Q: What themes are explored in 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant'? A: Key themes include survival, sacrifice, and the human condition under oppressive circumstances. The narrative provides profound insights into family and societal dynamics.
- Q: How should I store this hardcover book? A: Store the book upright on a shelf in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage to the cover.
- Q: Can I clean the book's cover? A: Yes, you can gently wipe the cover with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions to protect the book's surface.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a return or replacement. Most sellers have policies in place for such situations.
- Q: How does this book compare to other novels by Yu Hua? A: This novel offers a unique perspective on life during the Cultural Revolution, similar to Yu Hua's other works, but focuses specifically on personal sacrifice.
- Q: Is there a specific audience for this novel? A: This novel is best suited for adult readers interested in literary fiction and historical narratives. It appeals to those who appreciate deep character exploration.
- Q: What is the significance of the title 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant'? A: The title reflects the protagonist's desperate measures to support his family by selling his blood, symbolizing sacrifice and survival in dire circumstances.
- Q: Does this book contain any illustrations? A: No, 'Chronicle of a Blood Merchant' does not contain illustrations. It focuses on text to convey its powerful narrative.