BAI HUI

This novel has given rise to more debate in intellectual and literary circles than any other book to have been published in the Chinese Mainland in the last twenty years. The novel is composed of three parts. These can be seen as three letters which the protagonist has written separately to his old lover and teacher. They can also be taken as three of his long monologues. The novel reveals the author's strong indignation at and unsettling agitation over an age of commercialism which he feels greatly distresses the fate of humanity, especially the fate and moral character of intellectuals. Since all of this blends intimately with the author's mystical and uncanny feelings of affection for nature, it creates an immense impact.

The novel provoked a huge debate concerning China's intellectuals from the past few years and brought it to a climax. In the space of just over a year the word-count of attacks and warm approval generated by this book far exceeded that of the book itself. Its attraction is amazing. In one year, with three editions, it continued to occupy first place on best-seller lists (for literary books). Many readers, overcome with great emotion upon completing the book, have established their own discussion groups at universities and other institutions.