Renowned author Yan Lianke’s latest book, My Elders and I, hits shelves on May 19th, at which time Shanghai Tongji University will host a release ceremony for the book, which Yunnan People’s Publishing House is publishing.
　In this lengthy work of prose, Yan Lianke clearly and realistically describes a series of dreamlike reminiscences of growing up in the countryside, with the effect of a more distinct aftertaste and clearer depictions than a novel would enable, thus creating a more worthwhile reading experience. My Elders and I begins with the author’s childhood and narrates his life in a remote farming village, with particular focus on his father and uncles in their rough and frustrating yet usually bland existence, juxtaposed with his growing pains and other hardships. Yan puts particular emphasis on narrating his elders’ acts of kindness towards their sons and daughters along with the nourishment he received from this caring environment, expressing sincere thankfulness for this spirit of kindness.