Discovering Fiction

"In Discovering Fiction, Yan Lianke critically examines trends in Western and Chinese literary realism and neo-realism, particularly from the nineteenth century to the present-day. Tracing a progression in Western literature from nineteenth-century high realism to early-twentieth-century modernism, to mid-twentieth-century magical realism, Yan focuses on the causal assumptions that ground each of these literary formations. Discovering Fiction concludes with a reflection on the approach to realism that Yan Lianke himself takes in his recent fictional works, and which he argues also applies to other contemporary Chinese novels. Dubbing this approach "mythorealism," Yan argues that it builds on, but is nevertheless distinct from, these earlier formations"--

"In Discovering Fiction, Yan Lianke critically examines trends in Western and Chinese literary realism and neo-realism, particularly from the nineteenth century to the present-day. Tracing a progression in Western literature from nineteenth-century high realism to early-twentieth-century modernism, to mid-twentieth-century magical realism, Yan focuses on the causal assumptions that ground each of these literary formations. Discovering Fiction concludes with a reflection on the approach to realism that Yan Lianke himself takes in his recent fictional works, and which he argues also applies to other contemporary Chinese novels. Dubbing this approach "mythorealism," Yan argues that it builds on, but is nevertheless distinct from, these earlier formations"--ealism to early-twentieth-century modernism, to mid-twentieth-century magical realism, Yan focuses on the causal assumptions that ground each of these literary formations. Discovering Fiction concludes with a reflection on the approach to realism that Yan Lianke himself takes in his recent fictional works, and which he argues also applies to other contemporary Chinese novels. Dubbing this approach "mythorealism," Yan argues that it builds on, but is nevertheless distinct from, these earlier formations"--
Over the past twenty years, Chinese novelist Yan Lianke has emerged as one of the most important writers in the world. In Discovering Fiction, Yan offers insights into his views on literature and realism, the major works that inspired him, and his theories of writing. He juxtaposes discussions of the high realism of Leo Tolstoy and Lu Xun against Franz Kafka’s modernism and Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism, charting the relationship between causality, truth, and modes of realism. He also discusses his approach to realism, which he terms “mythorealism”—a way of capturing the world’s underlying truth by relying on the allegories, myths, legends, and dreamscapes that emerge from daily life. Revealing and instructive, Discovering Fiction gives readers an unprecedented look into the mind and art of a literary giant.
Eminent Chinese novelist Yan Lianke offers insights into his views on literature and realism, the major works that inspired him, and his theories of writing.