This was a truly fascinating psychological portrait.

I'm especially intrigued by the way Chinese writing seems to constantly depict the political as being completely intertwined with the personal. Of course, this is a legacy of the Cultural Revolution, but it's still astonishing to witness the various ways this can manifest.

For Professor Yang, each of his psychological layers interacts differently with the political system surrounding him, and this is gradually revealed to us as his deteriorating mind leaks more and more unspoken stories of the past. Ha Jin accomplishes this with great mastery. At first, we're deceived into believing that Yang has simply been a greedy, conniving rat beneath the guise of an extremely productive professorship. However, later we learn about his past affairs and how they bind him, as well as his genuine love of knowledge and how it handicapped him.

Somehow, Jian seemed a bit less developed to me, being ideologically carried along by the erratic ranting of his teacher in a rather passive way. Nevertheless, it was still interesting to observe him attempting to live out what appears to be Yang's underlying philosophy in the modern world while facing his own personal limitations.

The craftsmanship of this book was also quite unique. Despite being written in English, it still reads like a translated work, especially in the dialogue. Additionally, Jin's use of poetry and song throughout is refreshing and compels you to pause and think clearly.

Staggering.

There is no doubt that this is Ha Jin's finest and most important novel. I was truly stunned by the extraordinary War Trash. However, this one is even more cogent and clearly more personal. It is filled with gut-wrenching urgency, cynicism, and despair.

The story seems to unfold like a raw and emotional journey, taking the reader deep into the heart of the characters' experiences. The writing is so powerful that it makes you feel as if you are right there with them, sharing their pain and confusion.

Ha Jin has a remarkable ability to capture the essence of human nature in the face of adversity. His characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and their struggles are both relatable and heart-wrenching.

This novel is not just a work of fiction; it is a profound exploration of the human condition. It makes you think about the meaning of war, the value of life, and the power of hope in the darkest of times.

Overall, this is a must-read novel that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who picks it up.

I’ve read every single work that Ha Jin has ever penned, starting with Waiting a few years ago.

I have always found his prose to be of a high caliber, his pacing excellent, and his subject matter often superior to almost anything else in the literary world.

I firmly believe that he is a highly gifted writer, and reading his stories usually ignites a spark within me, making me eager to write myself.

However, this particular book was the first one that truly let me down.

The solid prose that he is known for is still present, but the subtle undercurrent of repressed emotion that was a hallmark of his other books is noticeably absent here.

As a result, everything in this book feels rather平淡 (blah).

The plot is not only boring but also moves at a sluggish pace.

The ending is abrupt and doesn't quite come together in a satisfactory way.

The book is supposed to provide some details about the buildup and events related to Tiananmen Square, as it pertains to this student who is caring for his ailing master, who may or may not be mentally incoherent after suffering a stroke.

But unfortunately, the political subtext neither integrates well with the main plot nor concludes effectively at the end.

In conclusion, this book is a disappointment.

A stroke victim sometimes babbles nonsense that just might be more truthful than his pre-stroke talk.

This phenomenon is truly fascinating. It makes one wonder if in the moments of confusion and loss of inhibitions, the true self emerges.

The message of the book seems a little jumbled to me. However, I still liked the exposure to an insider's view of Chinese academic life.

It provided a unique perspective that I might not have otherwise had.

Despite the initial confusion, as I delved deeper into the book, I began to appreciate the insights and details it offered.

It was like uncovering a hidden world, one that is both complex and rich in its own way.

Overall, while the book may not have been perfectly clear in its messaging, it still managed to capture my interest and give me a new understanding of a particular aspect of Chinese society.

This novel takes a truly original premise that allows for a deep exploration of various crucial issues.

It delves into the complex realms of politics, where power dynamics and ideological differences play out. The concept of identity is also examined, as characters grapple with who they are in a society that often pressures them to conform.

Individuality is another aspect that is beautifully explored. The author shows how difficult it can be to maintain one's unique self in the face of social norms and expectations.

Moreover, the novel touches on the themes of social and moral duty. Characters are forced to make choices that have far-reaching consequences, not only for themselves but also for those around them.

The prose in this novel is restrained, terse, and yet elegant. It manages to convey complex emotions and ideas with just a few well-chosen words.

Overall, this is an extremely creative and empathetic novel that offers valuable insights into the human condition. It is truly an important work that should not be missed.

This is a deceptively spare book.

The font is large, which makes it seem unassuming at first glance. The prose is uncomplicated, flowing smoothly and easily. It is so easy to get swept along with the story, carried away by the simple yet engaging narrative.

However, to sweep through it too quickly would be a great shame. There is a hidden beauty in Ha's economy of words. Each sentence is carefully crafted, packing a punch with its简洁 and precision.

Moreover, the contrast between the increasing complexities facing Jian and the simplicity with which they are expressed is truly remarkable. It is this contrast that adds depth and nuance to the story.

Therefore, it is well worth taking the time to appreciate both the beauty of the language and the depth of the story. Slow down, savor each word, and let the story unfold before your eyes.

Everybody was astonished when Professor Yang had a stroke in the spring of 1989. He had always been in excellent health, and his colleagues used to envy his vitality and productivity. He had published more works than any of them and had been a pillar of the Literature Department, directing its M.A program, editing a biannual journal, and teaching a full load.

Now even the undergraduates were discussing his sudden collapse. Some of them would have gone to the hospital if Secretary Peng had not announced that Mr. Yang, under intensive care, was not in a condition to receive visitors.

I concur that in certain cases, this book provides an understanding of a different culture, yet it also reveals the similarities between societies. The story of the novel is set in China in the spring of 1989. While the events of that era are mentioned, we also encounter the protagonist's daily interactions with someone who is ill, his contemplation about his future, and his handling of his feelings and emotions regarding love, among other things. These are all universal themes that can be related to by people from different cultures and backgrounds.

I truly had a great fondness for this book.

The main character was extremely captivating, and the themes explored within were equally compelling.

Not only that, but I also gleaned a significant amount of knowledge about recent Chinese history and culture.

Just like in "A Free Life", I did notice that the narration had a slight stiffness to it.

At certain moments, I felt that the first person voice didn't quite function as effectively as it could have.

The protagonist tended to explain his thoughts and feelings in a rather direct manner, instead of the writer skillfully weaving them into the fabric of the story.

However, despite these minor drawbacks, on the whole, this is a book that I would most definitely recommend.

It offers a unique perspective and a wealth of information that makes it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in Chinese history, culture, or simply a good story.

Having delved into 'Waiting' by the same author, my curiosity was piqued as to what this new book, 'The Crazed', would present. Overall, it was a rather pleasant reading experience. I was particularly intrigued by the sections where Ha Jin vividly described life in China during that era. It was truly captivating, and I couldn't help but wish there had been more such detailed portrayals throughout the book. The final chapters that depicted the horrors of Tiananmen Square were told in a brutally honest manner, effectively conveying the sense of injustice and fear that those events had generated. However, despite being a central theme of the novel, I found the parts about the hospitalized uncle to be somewhat underwhelming. I struggled to remain engaged with the story during these segments of the book. Nevertheless, 'The Crazed' is definitely worthy of a read, mainly due to the author's effortless and mesmerizing storytelling ability. That being said, I must admit that I still preferred 'Waiting' a little more.

This is my fourth book by Ha Jin, and by far, it is the most captivating one.

It delves into the riveting details of one student's plunge into the hell that was Beijing on June 3rd, 1989. However, it predominantly focuses on the intellectual atmosphere that preceded that tragic massacre.

For ordinary students and scholars, the pointlessness of studying in a country that attempts to manipulate the outcomes can only give rise to a longing for escape.

Incredibly, "The Crazed" not only serves as a condemnation of the Chinese government but also functions as a prose tribute to the American Dream (or in this particular instance, the Canadian Dream).

It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complex issues and emotions that were prevalent during that tumultuous period, leaving the reader with a deeper understanding and a sense of the profound impact it had on the lives of those involved.

Much like Ha Jin's highly acclaimed WAITING, this book presents a very spare style. In fact, it is so simple that one might wonder what makes it great or if there was a poor translation. However, it should be noted that Ha Jin writes in English, so there is no issue of translation. As one delves deeper into the text, it becomes evident that every word and phrase has been carefully chosen, even if at times it may feel a bit awkward. It is extremely difficult to develop a liking for any of the characters in this book. But if the entire book is read as a metaphor for the ambivalent position that China holds today, then it truly becomes a powerful work. It forces the reader to confront and grapple with the complex and often contradictory nature of modern China, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read despite its initial challenges.

The narrative was centered around the incoherent ramblings of a professor as he was lying on his deathbed in a hospital.

During one of the shifts, he was being cared for by one of his students who happened to be engaged to his daughter.

At certain moments, the patient was in a delirious state and couldn't seem to stop disclosing the unresolved issues he had faced throughout his life.

Many of these problems were a result of the repressive regime.

All of this was enough to prompt the student to make a series of decisions.

He decided against pursuing a life in academia, endured a painful break-up with the daughter, became involved in a minor way in the events at Tiananmen, and ultimately left the country.

The story is well-written, yet I didn't gain any new insights into life in China during those years that I wasn't already aware of.