Family
Ba Jin · 1904–2005 · China
Originally Jia (Chinese)
Why it matters
Three brothers rebel against the tyranny of their grand Confucian household in 1920s China. Ba Jin's passionate call to break with the old order became a bible for a generation of young readers.
At a glance
family sagabildungsroman
Difficulty 3/10medium pace328 pagesEarnest, accessible prose aimed at a broad youthful readership.
Where to go next
Ba Jin · 1947Cold NightsLvl 6Slow burn
Lu Xun · 1921The Real Story of Ah-Q and Other TalesLvl 5Fast paced
Lao She · 1937Rickshaw BoyLvl 3Medium pace
Ding Ling · 1928Miss Sophie's DiaryLvl 4Fast paced
Xiao Hong · 1935The Field of Life and DeathLvl 6Slow burn
Cao Xueqin · 1791Dream of the Red ChamberLvl 9Slow burn