Red Sorghum
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1986
359
Novel • Fiction
Shandong, China • 1930s
1986
Adult
18+ years
Red Sorghum by Mo Yan, published in 1986, employs magical realism to narrate the story of three generations of the Shandong family in China from the 1920s to the 1970s, focusing on their transition from sorghum wine makers to resistance fighters during the Second Sino-Japanese War. This non-linear tale, rich with vivid imagery and symbolism, highlights the family's sacrifices, struggles, and the ongoing impact of war on their village. The book includes depictions of violence and sexual assault.
Dark
Gritty
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
8,465 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mo Yan's Red Sorghum is lauded for its rich, evocative storytelling and vivid depiction of rural life in 20th-century China. Critics praise its lush prose and powerful narrative but note that its nonlinear structure and graphic violence may deter some readers. The novel's blend of historical reflection and folklore provides a deeply immersive yet challenging read.
Readers who appreciate Red Sorghum by Mo Yan typically enjoy intricate historical narratives, familial sagas, and a blend of realism with folklore. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude or Jung Chang's Wild Swans might find this novel deeply engaging due to its rich, immersive storytelling and cultural depth.
8,465 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
359
Novel • Fiction
Shandong, China • 1930s
1986
Adult
18+ years
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