Wang Shuo

This is a Chinese name; the family name is Wang.
Wang Shuo
Born (1958-08-23) August 23, 1958
Nanjing, China
Occupation novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, columnist
Genre novel, satire

Wang Shuo (Chinese: 王朔; pinyin: Wáng Shuò, born August 23, 1958) is a Chinese author, director, actor, and cultural icon. He has written over 20 novels, television series and movies. His work has been translated into Japanese, Spanish, French, English, Italian, and many other languages. He has enormous cultural status in China and has become a nationally celebrated author.

Background

Wang Shuo grew up in an army compound in Beijing. His family was of Manchu ancestry. When he was an adolescent, his parents were sent to the countryside as part of the Cultural Revolution, leaving him and his brother alone in Beijing among other children whose parents were also away. He joined the navy as a medical assistant where he spent four years. He later pursued a career as a writer. Many lines from his works have become popular slang. Recently, Wang turned down an offer from Francis Ford Coppola's production company. In 2007, Wang Shuo became active once again and went on many talk shows. His latest novel earned at three dollars per character (?), a total of 3.65 million RMB. This was a record high in Chinese publishing history.

Controversy

Wang Shuo is described by some traditional Chinese critics as a 'spiritual pollutant' for his hooligan style of writing. His work describes the culturally confused generation after the Cultural Revolution, marked by rebellious behavior. During the 90's Wang Shuo was the most popular and famous writer in China. Despite his hooligan style, his collected works were never banned and only one film based on his novels was not allowed to be shown in China until 2004, not because of his political stance, but rather due to his style. Wang Shuo is a national bestseller in China and has influenced generations of Chinese readers. With over 20 novels and 10 million copies in print, Wang Shuo's influence ranges from students to workers, and from drifters to intellectuals. His works mark the beginning of a new writing style in China, influencing many new authors. His satire is less of a direct confrontation with the Communist autocracy than it is a mockery of their lack of cool and a statement of utter indifference to any political or nationalistic correctness.[1] In his writing style, Wang Shuo has focused on the "living language" which is spoken by ordinary people in the street. He has also used a lot of the Beijing dialect, which makes his works very vivid and attractive.

Works

Novels

Masters of Mischief, or The Operators
Samsara (English title)
Playing for Thrills (English Title)
No Regrets About Youth (English title)
The Vanished Woman (English title)
Gone Forever with My Love (English title)
Please Don't Call Me Human (English title)
"A conversation with our daughter"

Filmography

As director

Screenplays

References

  1. ↑ The Elite Class Background of Wang Shuo and His Hooligan Characters - Yao 30 (4): 431 - Modern China
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