Big Books of Spring
Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out

Questions About Life and Death Are Wearing Me Out

by Mo Yan

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Answered Questions (3)

Been wanting to read some Mo Yan for a while - but as I've never read any of his books, I can't decide where to start - is this one a good one to start with? Any thoughts or other recommendations? Thank you
DM This was my first book by him, and I think it was a good place to start.
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Is he always reborn as a male? If he is, I think I would find it annoying. Having the same person experiencing life from totally different viewpoints is a great premise, but it would be somewhat compromised by only having a male point of view. I cannot imagine souls being gendered.
DM He is always reborn as a male, and while I did find it kind of silly, I think it makes sense to control some variables. Changes between species and ti…moreHe is always reborn as a male, and while I did find it kind of silly, I think it makes sense to control some variables. Changes between species and time are already a lot of moving parts.(less)
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This is probably one of the best modern novels I have read. One thing I did not understand through the whole book is why Ximen Jinlong is referred to as Ximen Nao’s biological son, while just after he’s born, Ximen Nao visits his concubine, sees the blue birthmark on Jinlong’s face, and understands that this boy is Lan Lian’s biological son.. What did I miss?
Saxon Ximen Jinlong (referred to in some parts of the book as Lan Jinlong) is Ximen Nao's son, whilst Lan Jaifeng is Lan Lian's son -who has the birthmark.…moreXimen Jinlong (referred to in some parts of the book as Lan Jinlong) is Ximen Nao's son, whilst Lan Jaifeng is Lan Lian's son -who has the birthmark.(less)
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