Silent Operas
Douban
無聲戲
Yu Li / Patrick Hanan
overview
One of the most original—and controversial—figures in the history of Chinese literature, Li Yu specialized in challenging social taboos and turning traditional literary themes on their heads. The stories featured here combine the racy wit and bawdiness of the traditional oral story-teller with a very modern blend of subtlety, irony and psychological insight to create a vibrant and accessible picture of the 17th century Chinese life.
This illustrated collection is an important step in bringing the writing of Li Yu to a wider audience. Here is a compelling example of a vibrancy and insight only now being rediscovered by contemporary Chinese writers.
contents
Introduction
An Ugly Husband Fears A Pretty Wife But Marries A Beautiful One
A Handsome Youth Tries to Avoid Suspicion But Arouses It Instead
The Female Chen Ping Saves Her Life With Seven Ruses
A Male Mencius's Mother Raises Her Son Properly By Moving House Three Times
A Daughter Is Transformed Into A Son Through The Bodhisattva's Ingenuity
An Actress Scorns Wealth And Honour To Preserve Her Chastity
