Zhang Xianliang
Zhang Xianliang was a prominent Chinese novelist and poet known for his works that explore the human cost of China's political upheavals, including the Cultural Revolution. His notable works include 'Half of Man is Woman' and 'Grass Soup', which often draw from his own experiences of imprisonment and rehabilitation during the political campaigns of the 1950s and 1960s. Zhang's literature is characterized by its candid portrayal of the psychological and emotional struggles of his characters.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Half of Man is Woman
This novel provides a deeply personal account of the author's experiences during China's Cultural Revolution and his subsequent imprisonment in a labor camp. The protagonist struggles with the harsh realities of his imprisonment, including starvation and physical abuse, while also grappling with his own identity and the societal expectations of masculinity. His release and subsequent marriage only further complicate his quest for self-understanding, as he navigates the challenges of reintegrating into society and maintaining a relationship with a woman who has her own traumatic past.
