I’m currently in a state of indecision regarding this book.

The writing holds great interest for me as it is set in China and描绘了a culture and country about which I have zero knowledge.

Consequently, it is serving as a teacher to me.

Learning is indeed a fundamental and constructive reason for reading.

However, the story is universal.

A student is tasked with taking care of his fading professor who has endured a stroke.

The professor grapples with his dwindling intellectual capabilities and the sentimental impulse to look back on his life in search of significance and perhaps justification for his actions.

The student, who has now become a caregiver, struggles more with being a witness and perhaps a critic of his now vulnerable mentor.

I have only reached the middle section of the book, yet I find it challenging to continue.

Perhaps due to my age, as I am just now in my forties, neither young nor old, I am unable to identify with either character.

I am envious of the student’s idealism and hope while simultaneously being afraid of the professor’s mental decline.

One thing is certain – I am not indifferent to the characters and the story that Ha Jin is narrating.

I have no intention of putting the book down.

This experience truly had a profound impact on me, making me vividly see and deeply feel the frustrations that someone might have endured during that particular point in history. It was a moment that made me question many things.

As I reflected on it, I couldn't help but wonder if I dared to dream again. Dreams can be both a source of hope and a cause of disappointment. In the face of the hardships and uncertainties that history has shown, the idea of dreaming seems almost audacious.

Yet, at the same time, I know that without dreams, life loses much of its meaning. Dreams give us something to strive for, something that pushes us forward. So, even though I am filled with doubts and fears, I find myself reluctant to let go of the possibility of dreaming. Maybe, just maybe, there is still a glimmer of hope in the midst of the darkness.

This book, which delves into the choices that one is compelled to make and how these choices either mirror or fall short of reflecting the true self, encompasses far more than just Chinese culture.

The professor's tirades transform into those of an oracle, as if they are being uttered from the very ether. With nothing further to lose, the professor is able to speak the unadulterated truth.

I have a great fondness for this book. I truly appreciate Ha Jin's nuanced and complex portrayal, which skillfully avoids presenting simplistic heroes and villains. It is a remarkable achievement. Well done, indeed.

This book offers a profound exploration of the human condition, transcending cultural boundaries and inviting readers to reflect on their own choices and the authenticity of their selves.

Ha Jin's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for those interested in literature that delves deep into the human psyche.

Overall, this book is a testament to the power of literature to illuminate the complexities of life and the choices we make.

3.5. I have to say that I didn't enjoy this particular work as much as some of his others.

The reason being that the subject matter here was more serious. It delved into deeper and perhaps more somber topics.

However, despite this, the writing itself was still beautifully crafted.

The author's skill in putting words together, creating vivid images and expressing complex emotions was still very much evident.

Even though the seriousness of the subject matter might have made it a bit less enjoyable for me on a personal level, I can't deny the literary merit of the piece.

It was a work that made me think and reflect, and for that, I have to give credit to the author.

Overall, while it may not have been my favorite of his works, it was still a worthy read and a testament to his talent as a writer.

What I got was not what I had anticipated, yet it was still good.

This work serves as a critique of academia, particularly in the context of China under the rule of the Communist Party. One has to question whether one can truly claim to be an academic when everything one utters is strictly censored and one is not even permitted to read the Bible. The answer seems to be no. In this country, academics seem more like clerks. They are like the meat on the chopping block, with the Party being the butcher.

Professor Yang endured the Cultural Revolution, despite being regularly paraded as a demon. The protagonist, Jian Wan, is not a particularly strong character. He lacks great passions or highly memorable ideas. He is ill-equipped to deal with the shadowy world of Chinese politics and academia. Although flawed and difficult to identify with, Jian Wan does manage to make some significant decisions before the end of the book.

It presents a rather complex and somewhat critical view of the academic and political landscape in China, which may prompt readers to think deeply about the nature and challenges of these domains.