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Troubador Floating and Sinking on the Sea of Officialdom

Released: 28/06/2021

ISBN: 9781800463424
eISBN: 9781800469198

Format: Paperback/eBook

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Floating and Sinking on the Sea of Officialdom

by John Xiao Zhang

Floating and Sinking on the Sea of Officialdom is the second volume of the trilogy of modern Chinese historical fiction. It is a compelling historical novel with a moving love story.

In Volume I, Sailing Across the Red Storm, the main character and his family, friends and lovers bravely struggled through the ordeal of the Cultural Revolution in China. But in this volume, they try to change their politically suppressed and economically poor country into a democratic, dynamic and prosperous one, through economic and political reforms. The main character gives up his academic career and enters into the world of politics, launching reforms to improve society. He experiences both success and setbacks in these political circles. Emotionally, he and his lovers experience many complicated events, bringing both sorrow and happiness.

This novel gives readers a panoramic view of the great political, economic and social upheaval in China in the twenty years following the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976. Through rich character portrayal and meticulous description of historical events, the readers will see the true essence of this turning point in modern Chinese history and the changing attitude of Chinese people towards love, morality, wealth and their traditional ideology of Confucianism and Taoism.

Book Reviews

An engaging and gripping read!

This second volume of the trilogy is written in simple, easy to read English. In particular for non-Chinese or overseas Chinese, this makes understanding the historical events in this important period of modern China a lot easier. This was the time after the Cultural Revolution, a socialpolitical movement from 1966 through 1976.

The enchanting love story went on. The novel is in simple English, yet it is beautifully written and is with a wide vocabulary, making the read inspirational, enjoyable and impelling. The love story was as complex as its historical background; it was a triangle love with three very open-minded, selfless, deep affection, loyal, and kind hearted souls. It is a wonder to see these three individuals being so very thoughtful towards each other, always thinking for the benefit of the other two.

It is a book one wants to go on reading, and does not want to put down. I was totally absorbed, and was eager to learn what would be next for the main character and the people around him, and the economical and political development in China at the time. A great number of characters are involved, the List of Characters at the beginning of the book is of great help.

A very compelling Chinese historical novel with a gripping love story! I enjoyed the reading, and have kept thinking about it afterwards. An artwork provokes thoughts. I hope the third volume will not take long to publish!

by Yvonne

An intriguing book with an enchanting setting. I would read more from this author. An escape from the everyday in an easy-to-read style.

Original review: https://www.netgalley.co.uk/book/238248/review/613047

by NetGalley review

The author has done it again! I was worried that this book would not be as good as the first but I need not have been concerned! Due to the rich character description, I was hooked from the first page and I was desperate to keep reading to see what would happen to these characters - whom now almost feel like friends. Alongside the theme of love and friendship, run the political and economic struggles in China's past. This book is both educational and entertaining. I cannot wait to read book 3!

by Diana