48 pages • 1 hour read
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
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Book Brief
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000184
Novel • Fiction
Phoenix Mountain, China • 1970s
2000
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie, translated by Ina Rilke, is set during the Chinese Cultural Revolution and follows two teenage boys sent to a remote mountain village for re-education. They befriend the Little Seamstress and discover forbidden Western literature, which introduces them to new ideas and emotions, ultimately leading the Little Seamstress to seek a life beyond her village. The novel contains descriptions of political oppression, violence, and self-harm.
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
65,588 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie, translated by Ina Rilke, beautifully captures cultural conflict and personal transformation during China's Cultural Revolution. Praised for lyrical prose and rich themes of literature's power, the novel occasionally faces criticism for lack of depth in character development. Overall, it's a poignant and evocative read.
Who Should Read Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress?
Readers who enjoy Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie and translated by Ina Rilke are typically fans of historical fiction with cultural and philosophical depth. This audience is similar to those who appreciate Wild Swans by Jung Chang and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.
65,588 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Luo
Luo
Luo is the Narrator’s best friend and a significant figure in the story, known for his charisma and emotional nature. His relationship with the Little Seamstress and his privileged background play important roles in the narrative.
The Little Seamstress
The Little Seamstress
The Little Seamstress is an attractive and curious village girl who is the love interest of Luo and admired by the Narrator. Her personal transformation becomes a focal point of the story.
Four-Eyes
Four-Eyes
Four-Eyes starts as a friend to the Narrator and Luo and is crucial in providing forbidden literature. He is portrayed as a character who seeks to align with the oppressive regime despite his own re-education.
184
Novel • Fiction
Phoenix Mountain, China • 1970s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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