167
Book · 1999
How Long Is Forever?
永远有多远Set across several turbulent decades in a traditional Beijing courtyard neighborhood, Tie Ning's acclaimed novella follows Bai Dasheng, a woman whose boundless goodwill, sincerity, and self-effacing generosity remain steadfast despite being repeatedly exploited by family, lovers, and friends. As China transforms from the Cultural Revolution into the market-driven era of the 1990s, her unyielding decency stands in stark, poignant contrast to the shifting moral landscape and consumerist pressures of a rapidly modernizing society.
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Bai Dasheng is perhaps the kindest person we could ever find within our lived experience, and this kindness is so genuine, devoid of any pretense. Among writers since the twentieth century, those willing to portray human goodness so directly, while making it entirely convincing and deeply moving, are few and far between—making this work truly precious.
Uzumaki on Douban Bai Dasheng is just that kind of girl. Ordinary in looks and easygoing in temper, she yields to everyone, believing it to be only natural. If a pang of conscience leads you to apologize for taking advantage of her, she only becomes bewildered. Possessed of boundless kindness, even if you have treated her harshly or made things difficult, she remembers only the good in you. She treats everyone around her with openhearted warmth, shouldering burdens and giving unconditionally without counting the cost: 'This child is truly righteous.'
欣阅 on Douban Bai Dasheng, that silly big sister—sigh, such a profoundly benevolent, foolish woman who feels guilty whenever she sees someone doing worse than herself—is truly both endearing and exasperating. In truth, we are just the same: we can never become the kind of person we aspire to be; we can only stubbornly and faithfully remain ourselves. P.S. After finishing it, I really miss Beijing's hutongs, the cats climbing courtyard walls, and Dengshikou...
Piiiiiiiin on Douban
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