Chinese author Liu Zhenyun says he wants people to consider his novels comedies, not tragedies

A Vietnamese translation of the most recent novel by acclaimed Chinese writer Liu Zhenyun, known for his wry take on the conventions of modern society, has hit local bookstores.

Born to an illiterate mother, Liu told Thanh Nien that like other writers he “aims for the sky,” but has never forgotten his roots.

Born in 1958, Liu grew up in a small mountain village in Yanjin County, part of central China’s Henan Province.

Liu still likes hanging out in the countryside, talking to farmers and jotting down what they say. He says his hometown is a source of inspiration for several of his works.

“Small potatoes are the vast majority. Their daily living seems trivial and insignificant. The reality is their state of living determines the outlook of our time,” China Daily quoted Liu as saying.

“For instance, what happens in the tofu at the kitchen in Xiao Lin’s home means much more to him, to me and to society than the G-7 Economic Summit in the West,” he told the newspaper, referencing his earlier work, “Chicken Feathers Everywhere.”

Often called a neo-realist writer, Liu doesn’t like to classify his writing and says that “I am Liu Yuejin” is a departure from previous work.

Liu said the book, which turns convention on its head by featuring a memorable portrayal of a sheep that eats wolves, depicts a world full of uncertainties and endless accidents and coincidences.

Liu’s characters, whom the author says are comical, not tragic, are true to life, critics say.

“No matter if they are a he or she, a nobody, an opulent person, or a high ranking official, each has his or her weaknesses, worries, fears, hopes and whimsical dreams,” China Daily quoted Yang Xuemei, an editor with a publishing house in Beijing, as saying.

Reported by Nguyen Le Chi