Chairman Mao Would Not Be Amused by Howard Goldblatt

This collection of texts, primarily excerpts from "Chairman Mao Would Not Be Amused: Fiction From Today's China," offers a multifaceted look at post-Cultural Revolution Chinese society and literature. The initial notes highlight a shift from highly politicized, state-controlled literature to dissenting and art-focused works, reflecting a changing national consciousness, particularly after the events of June 1989. The included stories, by authors such as Shi Tiesheng, Su Tong, Wang Meng, Li Rui, Li Xiao, and Ge Fei, explore complex human relationships, personal struggles, and societal critiques through diverse narratives. These range from tales of disillusionment and tragic love to dark humor and the brutal realities of rural life, demonstrating a literary scene grappling with its past and carving out new artistic expressions.