I had a rather negative experience with his book "Waiting". I initially despised it. However, I decided to give his work another chance. Sadly, I was still left disappointed. This particular book, although I enjoyed it to a certain extent, I still felt that it was incomplete at the end. Jin's writing style is such that the story seems to drag on, constantly leaving you in a state of wonder. It builds and builds, creating anticipation, and then, in the last few pages - bam! The story suddenly ties together and ends, leaving you with a sense of confusion and the thought - what now? All that build-up for this? It really makes you think about how much time we waste only seeing what we want to see and not the truth. Are we missing out on so much by not being open to the real picture? It's a thought-provoking aspect of the book that lingers even after you've finished reading.
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Work by Ha Jin. Chinese edition of 'The Crazed'. set around 1989's student movement, a PhD candidate became his mentor and future father-in-law's caretaker when the old man fell ill. What transpired afterwards revealed the darkness in China's academia.
300 pages, Paperback
First published October 1,2002
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In early 1989, Jian Wan, a graduate student majoring in Chinese literature at a university in a southern Chinese city, spent a significant portion of his day by the bedside of his professor, who had suffered a stroke and was also his future father-in-law. During the professor's ravings, a few unexpected truths emerged. The narrative vividly portrays the culture of corruption and cronyism, gradually leading to the tragedy of Tiananmen in an inexorable manner. Although some of the dialogue may seem a bit artificial, it is all thought-provoking and engaging, with exquisitely portrayed characters. The story not only presents a vivid picture of the social and cultural background of that era but also delves deep into the complex emotions and psychological states of the characters. It makes the reader reflect on the various issues and challenges faced by society at that time and how they influenced the lives and fates of individuals. Overall, it is a powerful and moving work that offers valuable insights into a particular period of Chinese history.
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This book offers a detailed account of the experiences of a young Chinese student during the events related to Tiananmen Square. It vividly presents the disputes that occurred within the university and the control exerted over the intelligentsia. The way students are influenced and perhaps even corrupted by the system of granting scholarships is also depicted in a dramatic manner. This is shown through the madness of a teacher who is visited in the hospital by the narrator-character and his girlfriend. The final escape described in the book may not seem entirely believable at first glance. However, it serves to illustrate the extreme desperation that can arise under a situation of brutal repression. Overall, the book provides a thought-provoking look at a particular period in Chinese history and the various issues and challenges that students and the intelligentsia faced during that time.
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An OK read. I first discovered Ha Jin through a short story titled "When Cowboy Chicken Came to Town" which I truly liked and even used in my class. Given that positive experience, I had high expectations for a novel by him. However, it didn't quite meet those expectations. The basic storyline is that a PhD candidate, Jian, who is also the future son-in-law, keeps watch over his professor in the hospital. Through the professor's seemingly crazy ramblings, Jian manages to piece together the professor's life and also starts to reflect on his own actions and what he is doing with his life. For most of the book, I was on the verge of completely writing it off. But then, towards the end, something finally starts to happen, which gives a glimmer of hope and makes the reading experience a bit more engaging.
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First, let me say that I truly adored the feel of the paper in this book. I absolutely LOVED it. It had such a wonderful texture that it felt great beneath my fingers. Please, someone, tell me that I'm not the only one who notices and appreciates such things. I can't recall when I last paid attention to the quality of the paper in a book, but this one was truly lovely. Now, as for the book itself, it was just okay. I had hoped for more, and perhaps that's my own fault. Ha Jin does tell an amazing story, but to be honest, I was rather put off by the constant reciting of poems, chants, and songs. It simply got old after a while. Not to mention that I'm not a huge fan of poetry in general (although there are exceptions), and this just seemed like blah blah blah to me. The portrayal of the brain-injured was decent, and even better was the portrayal of those who are trying to deal with a loved one who is saying crazy things that can be embarrassing, harsh, truthful, or just plain babble. You can take your pick. The best part of the story for me was in the last 50 pages, but I was not at all pleased with the ending. Nope. I really wanted to know how things ended! Spell it out for me, author! It was like the ending of "The Sopranos," hitting me suddenly and leaving me thinking, "What? No! We can't end here!" Overall, it was a solid read, and although the ending made me a bit peeved, I'll definitely read more of Ha Jin's work in the future.
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This book may not be the most profound one, but it does have a clear message. It makes us realize that what we see on the surface is not always the truth. Often, there are hidden aspects and deeper meanings that we need to uncover. The story or content within the book might present situations where appearances can be deceiving. It could be through the actions of the characters, the events that unfold, or the overall context. By reading this book, we are encouraged to look beyond the obvious and question what lies beneath. This can help us develop a more critical and discerning eye, enabling us to better understand the world around us. Although it may not offer the most in-depth exploration of complex themes, its simple yet powerful messaging can have a significant impact on our perception and understanding of reality.
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I read this for a Post Modern American Literature English course at university. It truly opened my eyes to the tragedy of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. During that period, the middle and upper classes were horribly exploited by the lower classes. It was a time when the neighbor who would once mow your lawn and care for you could later betray you to the government. This experience has given me a new perspective on the impact of trauma. The trauma that lasts for decades and affects generations is truly profound. It makes me realize how fragile our social fabric can be and how important it is to learn from history to avoid repeating the same mistakes. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn about the Chinese Cultural Revolution and its far-reaching consequences. It has broadened my understanding of different cultures and historical events and has made me more empathetic towards the experiences of others. Overall, this reading has been a valuable and eye-opening experience that will stay with me for a long time.
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The Crazed is a captivating novel that delves into the life of Jien Wen, a graduate student in China during the tumultuous Tienanmen Square uprising. When his future father-in-law and academic mentor suffers a severe stroke, Jien is assigned as one of his caregivers. Every afternoon, Jien attempts to study for his PhD qualifying exams, but he is constantly distracted by the old professor's rants and ravings about Mao and the shortcomings of being an academic. At first, Jien dismisses these as the delusions of a sick man. However, as time passes, he begins to question his own professional and academic choices, as well as his upcoming marriage. The story highlights the power of influence and how easily one's beliefs can be shaken. I found The Crazed to be a thought-provoking read. Jien's vulnerability to the old man's words made me wonder about the impact of our surroundings on our decision-making. Additionally, the novel sheds light on the political and social context of China during that time, where meritocracy, freedom, and fairness seemed elusive. Jin does an excellent job of portraying the frustration and sense of entrapment that Jien experiences. The rantings of the madman, which initially seemed absurd, gradually become a source of sanity in a world where everything is in doubt. Overall, The Crazed is a must-read for those interested in exploring the human psyche and the impact of historical events on individuals.
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