the worldwide bestselling novel by the winner of the 2000 Nobel Prize for Literature. Soul Mountain is a picaresque novel of immense wisdom and sparse beauty, bursting with knowledge and experience and portraying a culture as vast and fascinating as the history of humankind itself. In China in the early eighties, the book's central character embarks on a cross-country journey in search of the mysterious 'Mountain'. Along the way he collects stories, lovers, spiritual wisdom and undergoes myriad experiences that are ...
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the worldwide bestselling novel by the winner of the 2000 Nobel Prize for Literature. Soul Mountain is a picaresque novel of immense wisdom and sparse beauty, bursting with knowledge and experience and portraying a culture as vast and fascinating as the history of humankind itself. In China in the early eighties, the book's central character embarks on a cross-country journey in search of the mysterious 'Mountain'. Along the way he collects stories, lovers, spiritual wisdom and undergoes myriad experiences that are sometimes violent, sometimes frightening, sometimes funny, but always enriching. He researches the origins of humankind and Chinese culture, and explores philosophical issues such as truth, knowledge and how one's childhood affects later life. At the end of the book, he realises that all along what was important was not finding the elusive Soul Mountain, but rather the journey itself. Part love story, part fable, part philosophical treatise and part travel journal, this is one of the most challenging, rewarding and inventive works of fiction since Ulysses.
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Seller's Description:
Good solid copy, mild to moderate reading/age wear, no DJ if issued, may have some light markings or exowner inscription. We take great pride in accurately describing the condition of our books and media, ship within 48 hours, and offer a 100% money back guarantee. Customers purchasing more than one item from us may be entitled to a shipping discount.
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Seller's Description:
Harper Collins. Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. Translated from the Chinese by Mabel Lee. PAPERBACK COPY BOOK CLUB EDITION. Worn Along Spine and Edges. Acceptable Condition. Unless Listed in this decription, VG or Better.
Soul Mountain has elements of a spiritual journey and a cultural exploration. Translating such a work from Chinese is no doubt a challenge. As a result, much of the language doesn?t flow. At times, the conversations between the speaker and these ghost-like female figures seem almost adolescent. The story and imagery manage to get through. The villages and people that turn up create the world outside, while the author?s constant musings adds more depth, as well as illuminating his internal cosmos. It is sometimes difficult to separate actual characters from avatars, but that mystic quality gives the book its flavor. The power of the Yangtze, the dust of the country roads, the quaint, strained apartment of a girl?all are very clearly conveyed. It is a story like no other. Portions do slow down with the avatars throwing fits or whining or yelling, but the remainder is very good. The cover painting nearly captures the essence itself.