The Sun Shines over the Sanggan River

Ding Ling · 1904–1986 · China

Originally Taiyang Zhao Zai Sanggan He Shang (Chinese) · translated by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang

Why it matters

Land reform sweeps a north China village as peasants turn on landlords under Party direction, cadres' own doubts left uncomfortably visible. Ding Ling's Stalin Prize-winning novel, written just before the Party turned its scrutiny on her instead.

At a glance

A large village cast and shifting political loyalties require tracking many minor characters.