Yiyun Li’s story exploring aspects of China’s transition from empire to communist super-power is unusual in that its point of view is not that of a single character, but rather the collective voice of a rural community. Central themes are lack of power of the individual (symbolized by emasculation), and abuse of power by the ruling classes. Secondary themes are the methods adopted by the Communist Party to consolidate its power (indoctrination through cultism, repression and fear), and the changes taking place as modern technology exposes the masses to Western lifestyles and values. More…
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The Princess of Nebraska
In this story by Yiyun Li, a pregnant Chinese graduate student has traveled from Nebraska to Chicago for an abortion. The father, a former “dan” actor, is still in China and not returning messages. Accompanying her is a Chinese activist, who was the dan actor’s boyfriend before fleeing the country. Both are still in love with the actor, and the activist would prefer she keep the baby to lure him to America. In the closing paragraph, her resolve appears to weaken as the baby begins to move. Themes include repression vs. freedom, loneliness, sexuality, identity, choice vs. consequences. More…
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This story by Yiyun Li highlights the helplessness of the working class in China’s race to modernity. A fifty-one-year-old spinster comes of age after being retrenched by a bankrupt garment factory. Her next two jobs involve “extras”, people who have been cast off by their family. First, as wife/carer to a dying old man; second, as a maid in a boarding school where she experiences love in a special friendship with a rejected six-year-old boy. In a fit of temper, the boy does something that sees her jobless again. . Themes include social change, compassion, abandonment, isolation, maternal love, survival. More…