The experiences of a town on the Hulan River

Without a drop of sentimentality, the writer leads the reader through memorable images of her childhood. Word by word, and her memories turn into a journey turned into the weave of human destinies. Everyday sketches become a drama about banality, doom and hope.

The writer writes in such a way that her impressions appeal to the emotional experience of every person. Her writing style is as unique and modern as it is light, relaxed, and transparent.

The author presents a gallery of female and male portraits, different in age, social and family status, although for the most part they are ordinary “simple” people. The space of existence of women and girls described by the writer is especially gloomy. And she herself said about herself: “The greatest pain and misfortune of my life is that I am a woman.”

Xiao Hong’s writing asks questions about meaning and value, and it does so in a way that is not always comfortable, as it highlights what can be uncomfortable and ugly. But Xiao Hong does leave a sense of hope. She tells the reader that although life is bitter, it is worth it.