If you enjoy reading books by Lu Xun then you might also like the following authors:
Ba Jin was one of China’s most influential 20th-century novelists, with stories rooted deeply in social change and human struggle. Readers who enjoy Lu Xun’s bold exploration of Chinese society and culture may find much to appreciate in Ba Jin’s works.
His novel “Family” portrays the conflict between traditional values and youthful rebellion through the story of the Gao family. It explores generational divides, personal freedom, love, and duty.
Set in the turbulent early decades of the 20th century, it vividly captures the struggle of the younger Gao siblings against oppressive expectations imposed by their conservative elders.
Ba Jin’s storytelling combines emotional sincerity with keen critical insight, reflecting an era when China was on the cusp of dramatic transformation.
Ding Ling was a bold and influential writer in modern Chinese literature, known for sharp social critiques and strong female characters. If you appreciate Lu Xun’s ability to shed light on society’s flaws, Ding Ling’s “Miss Sophie’s Diary” might intrigue you.
This powerful short story follows Sophie, an introspective young woman struggling with feelings of isolation and self-awareness in the rapidly changing society of 1920s China.
Through diary entries filled with honest reflections and emotional complexity, Sophie confronts traditional roles and personal desires, painting a vivid picture of a woman caught between expectation and independence.
Readers drawn to Lu Xun’s direct style and social insight will find Ding Ling’s writing equally impactful and thought-provoking.
Lao She was a prolific Chinese writer known for his insightful, satirical novels that reflect China’s social changes during the 20th century. If you appreciate Lu Xun’s sharp critique of society, you might also find Lao She interesting.
His novel “Rickshaw Boy” tells the story of Xiangzi, an ambitious young rickshaw puller who dreams of owning his own rickshaw in the bustling city of Beijing.
Yet, Xiangzi faces one hardship after another, and his struggles vividly portray the harsh realities faced by ordinary people in urban China of that era. Lao
She captures not only the intimate human emotions of his characters, but also offers a striking portrait of society and its inequalities.
Readers who appreciate Lu Xun’s sharp critiques of society and vivid storytelling might also enjoy Mo Yan. Mo Yan, a Chinese author awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, combines gritty realism with a touch of magical storytelling.
His novel “Red Sorghum” is set in rural China during the 1930s and 1940s. It tells the story of a spirited young woman named Dai Fenglian and her family, who operate a sorghum liquor distillery.
Their story unfolds amid political turmoil, war against Japanese occupation, and the brutality and resilience of village life.
The book captures ordinary people’s struggles, their passions, and their strength in harsh circumstances, painted vividly against a backdrop of change and upheaval.
Readers who enjoy the sharp wit and insightful social commentary of Lu Xun will find much to appreciate in Qian Zhongshu’s work. Qian Zhongshu, a celebrated writer and scholar in Chinese literature, is best known for his novel “Fortress Besieged.”
The book offers a satirical look at intellectuals, academics, and the complexities of marriage and social ambition in 1930s China. It follows Fang Hung-chien, a young man returning home to China after studying abroad.
Upon his return, Fang struggles humorously and poignantly to navigate the absurdities and hypocrisies of upper-class Chinese society.
Readers will enjoy Qian’s sharp observations of human nature, clever dialogue, and subtle critiques of social convention, reminiscent of Lu Xun’s vivid storytelling style.
Yu Hua is a prominent contemporary Chinese author known for deeply touching and often stark portrayals of Chinese society. Readers who appreciate Lu Xun’s sharp critiques and dark satire may also find Yu Hua’s books appealing.
In his novel “To Live,” Yu Hua describes the unpredictable life of Fugui, a once careless young man who loses everything in gambling and is forced into poverty.
Fugui navigates decades of political turmoil, personal hardships, and family tragedies, yet manages to endure with an astonishing blend of resilience and humor.
Yu Hua paints the harsh realities of 20th-century China with honesty and compassion, capturing readers through relatable characters and realistic storytelling.
If you enjoy Lu Xun’s sharp observations on society and human nature, Gao Xingjian is another author worth exploring.
Gao Xingjian, a Chinese novelist and playwright awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2000, offers deeply reflective stories infused with social commentary and thoughtful insight. His novel “Soul Mountain” follows a narrator’s journey across rural China.
On this trip, the narrator searches for meaning in forgotten villages, ancient legends, and fading cultural practices. Gao captures vivid landscapes, folklore, and local characters who each provide glimpses into the complex identity and heritage of modern China.
This rich narrative combines philosophical insight with striking descriptions, making it a rewarding read for fans of Lu Xun’s style.
Han Shaogong is a significant Chinese writer known for his unique exploration of cultural memory and identity. If you enjoy the insightful and critical voice of Lu Xun, you’ll likely appreciate Han Shaogong’s novel “A Dictionary of Maqiao.”
The book portrays life in the fictional village of Maqiao through a creative structure: each chapter revolves around a specific word or phrase from the local dialect.
By unfolding the tales and histories connected to these words, Han Shaogong reveals how language shapes people’s thoughts, traditions, and lives.
The novel blends folklore, history, and personal narratives, providing an engaging read with depth and thoughtfulness reminiscent of Lu Xun’s social commentary.
If you enjoy Lu Xun’s sharp critique of society and thoughtful storytelling, Mao Dun might appeal to your literary tastes as well. Mao Dun is one of China’s major modern novelists and a contemporary of Lu Xun.
His novel “Midnight” offers a vivid portrayal of Shanghai in the 1930s, capturing the turmoil and complexities of Chinese society undergoing rapid modernization.
The story revolves around Wu Sunfu, an ambitious businessman competing ruthlessly in a world of greed, corruption, and political upheaval.
Mao Dun masterfully uses his characters’ struggles to reflect the larger tensions in Chinese society at the time, making “Midnight” both engaging and insightful for readers drawn to Lu Xun’s themes.
Shen Congwen was a prominent Chinese writer whose stories beautifully capture rural Chinese life in the early 20th century. If you enjoy Lu Xun’s sharp insight and human observation, Shen Congwen’s “Border Town” may appeal to you.
The book tells the story of Cuicui, a young girl who lives by a river near a peaceful village. Cuicui’s simple life gradually changes when love, tradition, and the passage of time quietly shape her destiny.
Shen Congwen vividly brings this remote town and its people to life through sensitive storytelling and careful attention to human emotion. His gentle yet powerful narrative quietly echoes the complexities of tradition, change, and love in rural China.
Wang Meng is a Chinese writer known for exploring personal struggles and societal challenges through honest, insightful storytelling. Readers who appreciate Lu Xun’s sharp observations and social commentary will find a similar voice in Wang Meng’s writings.
His novella “The Butterfly” is a thoughtful and subtle reflection on the tension between individual freedom and social conformity in China during a time of change.
The story follows a young man confused by his shifting roles in life, and captures how quietly society’s expectations can shape someone’s dreams and choices. Wang Meng’s clear prose and sincere exploration of human emotions make his stories memorable and thought-provoking.
Books by Zhang Xianliang often explore themes of social criticism and human resilience, similar to Lu Xun’s work.
In his novel “Half of Man is Woman,” Zhang Xianliang vividly portrays life during China’s Cultural Revolution through the eyes of Zhang Yonglin, a poet labeled as a political prisoner.
This story depicts Zhang Yonglin’s struggle to preserve his humanity despite harsh labor camps, isolation, and constant ideological pressure.
Zhang Xianliang sheds light on personal love and dignity in the midst of political hardships, contributing deeply personal perspectives on this tumultuous part of Chinese history.
Readers who appreciate Lu Xun’s sharp insights into China’s social realities and complex human emotions may find Zhang Xianliang equally thought-provoking and powerful.
Eileen Chang is an influential writer known for her insightful portrayals of 20th-century Chinese society, often exploring themes of human relationships, personal conflict, and social changes in modern China.
If you’re interested in the sharp social observations of Lu Xun, you’ll appreciate Chang’s novella “Love in a Fallen City.”
Set against the turbulent backdrop of wartime Hong Kong, the story follows Bai Liusu, a divorced woman seeking independence and security, who becomes entangled with Fan Liuyuan, a charismatic yet enigmatic man.
Through their complex courtship, Chang explores the tension between tradition, individual autonomy, and society’s expectations, offering readers a vivid glimpse into a changing China.
Readers who appreciate the sharp critiques and bold storytelling of Lu Xun may also find interest in the works of Taiwanese author Li Ang. Her novel “The Butcher’s Wife” explores dark themes of gender oppression and societal hypocrisy in a small Taiwanese town.
The story centers on Lin Shi, a young woman trapped in an abusive marriage, who faces escalating cruelty from both her husband and the villagers.
Li Ang’s narrative sheds stark light on the harsh realities of female oppression beneath the veneer of traditional society, exposing deep-rooted injustices through vividly drawn characters and scenes.
Fans of Lu Xun’s incisive social commentary will likely recognize and value the honest reflection and powerful depiction of human struggle in Li Ang’s writing.
Wang Anyi is an influential author in modern Chinese literature with sharp insights into everyday life and the human condition. Readers who enjoy Lu Xun’s incisive social commentary may find Wang Anyi equally fascinating.
Her novel “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” offers a captivating portrait of Shanghai life from 1940s through the 1980s. The story follows the life of Wang Qiyao, a former beauty queen who navigates love and losses amid sweeping historical change.
Wang Anyi captures the quiet rhythms of daily life and explores the complexities beneath the city’s glamorous surface. Fans of thoughtful writing and strong character-driven storytelling may appreciate her nuanced style and her deep understanding of urban Chinese society.