Life

This debut English translation of Lu Yao’s acclaimed novel introduces readers to Gao Jialin, a young man from a rural Chinese village whose life takes a dramatic turn after losing his teaching job due to local corruption. Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1980s China, the story explores Gao’s challenging journey toward personal and professional fulfillment, highlighting themes of resilience and ambition. Praised for its emotional depth and narrative skill, the novel offers a compelling portrait of contemporary Chinese life through the eyes of a determined working-class protagonist.