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Two Lives
Seven stories, seven whispers into the ears of life: A Yi's unexpected twists of crime burst from the everyday, with glimpses of romance distorted by the weaknesses of human motive. A Yi employs his forensic skills to offer a series of portraits of modern life, both uniquely Chinese, and universal in their themes. His years as a police officer serve him well as he teases the truth from simple observation, now brought into the English language in a masterful translation by Alex Woodend. The stories include Two Lives, Attic, Spring, Bach, Predator. The first in the new Flame Tree Press series, Stories from China.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launching in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
FLAME TREE PRESS is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launching in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.
- GenresShort Stories
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2020
2 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
A Yi
40 books25 followersA Yi is a Chinese writer living in Beijing. He worked as a police officer before becoming editor-in-chief of Chutzpah. He is the author of two collections of short stories and has published fiction in Granta and the Guardian. In 2010 he was shortlisted for the People’s Literature Top 20 Literary Giants of the Future.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 27, 2020
These seven short stories almost defy classification. Their plots might hinge on a sudden moment of criminal madness – theft, murder, rape – but each of these self-contained stories is about something far more subtle, the brutalisation of the soul, perhaps; the subjugation of the self. The author was a police officer in China, and his writing definitely displays the authority of hard-earned experience.
The narratives might offer intimate insights into modern Chinese relationships and society, but at times you can feel every minute of the millennia of cultural distance between East and West. These aren’t frothy romps to be devoured in short order. Nor are they instantly accessible. The hidden messages are hard to fathom.
The storytelling is at times almost stilted, so detached and understated that the characters are almost impossible to relate to. I simply couldn’t relate to many of the situations, and presume that I was missing out on the meaning of the metaphors.
However, this means that the rare moments of unexpected connection are all the more powerful. It’s like lightning slicing through metaphysical mist, but blink and you might miss a pivotal instance of illumination.
Not an easy anthology to enjoy. Rather, one to admire after absorbing over time.
6/10
There are reviews of many more crime/thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
The narratives might offer intimate insights into modern Chinese relationships and society, but at times you can feel every minute of the millennia of cultural distance between East and West. These aren’t frothy romps to be devoured in short order. Nor are they instantly accessible. The hidden messages are hard to fathom.
The storytelling is at times almost stilted, so detached and understated that the characters are almost impossible to relate to. I simply couldn’t relate to many of the situations, and presume that I was missing out on the meaning of the metaphors.
However, this means that the rare moments of unexpected connection are all the more powerful. It’s like lightning slicing through metaphysical mist, but blink and you might miss a pivotal instance of illumination.
Not an easy anthology to enjoy. Rather, one to admire after absorbing over time.
6/10
There are reviews of many more crime/thrillers over at http://www.murdermayhemandmore.net
March 27, 2020
Two Lives is a collection of 7 short stories, a mix of tales about life, death and the character of people.
I feel there is a real sense of place in these stories and a definite quirk to them. There’s a man who walks away from home, missing for many years, only to return but not tell the woman where he’s been, a tale an anti-aging process that’s pure science fiction to tales of violence, rape and suicide. All dealing with the human psyche in all its glory, good, bad and indifferent.
At times this is not an easy read, but it’s always compelling, to watch these lives as a bystander. I found the general feeling of disdain for women uncomfortable at times and causes a visceral reaction….which is the point I think.
Two Lives may not be to everyone’s taste but it’s well written, unique and original. Disturbing and challenging at times, but definitely unforgettable.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
I feel there is a real sense of place in these stories and a definite quirk to them. There’s a man who walks away from home, missing for many years, only to return but not tell the woman where he’s been, a tale an anti-aging process that’s pure science fiction to tales of violence, rape and suicide. All dealing with the human psyche in all its glory, good, bad and indifferent.
At times this is not an easy read, but it’s always compelling, to watch these lives as a bystander. I found the general feeling of disdain for women uncomfortable at times and causes a visceral reaction….which is the point I think.
Two Lives may not be to everyone’s taste but it’s well written, unique and original. Disturbing and challenging at times, but definitely unforgettable.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
March 26, 2020
Seven divergent tales of contemporary Chinese life by a former police officer, detailing characters often non-empathetic but others admirable, in the new series from Flame Tree Press.
February 19, 2020
Feels like it's badly translated and there is absolutely no feeling behind the words. Extremely robotic and static stories. No thank you.
April 2, 2020
This collection of stories is quite unlike anything I have read before, and takes the reader to some very dark places indeed, and, although not a regular reader of this literary form, I was impressed by the scope of issues that Yi encompasses within them.
Auspiciously, there are seven stories within the collection:
TWO LIVES: ATTIC: SPRING: BACH: HUMAN SCUM: FAT DUCK: PREDATOR
From the incredibly disturbing opening story, through tales of twisted morality, with a broad sweep and consideration of themes like family, loyalty, betrayal, retribution, sex and redemption, there is much to savour here for those stout of heart and strong of stomach. In terms of writing style there is a brevity of writing and pared down use of language, perhaps reflecting an influence of the hardboiled style of early American crime fiction. The stories are peppered with cultural references and differing locations, that to a certain extent seem to reflect the mind-set and motivations of Yi’s cast of characters, all of whom are vividly depicted in terms of appearance, character traits, and, in some cases, plunging us deep into the darkness that lurks at the heart of them. Don’t expect to empathise with his characters and prepare yourself for some pretty damning observations on the worst that humankind can be…
I wouldn’t say that this collection is for everyone, as Yi has no truck with softening the grim motivations of some of his characters, and there are a few genuinely uncomfortable scenes. However, it was interesting for me to read a literary form that I don’t experience regularly, and I enjoyed the way in which Yi provides a piercing insight into Chinese culture and society, and to explore the darker areas of the human psyche.
Auspiciously, there are seven stories within the collection:
TWO LIVES: ATTIC: SPRING: BACH: HUMAN SCUM: FAT DUCK: PREDATOR
From the incredibly disturbing opening story, through tales of twisted morality, with a broad sweep and consideration of themes like family, loyalty, betrayal, retribution, sex and redemption, there is much to savour here for those stout of heart and strong of stomach. In terms of writing style there is a brevity of writing and pared down use of language, perhaps reflecting an influence of the hardboiled style of early American crime fiction. The stories are peppered with cultural references and differing locations, that to a certain extent seem to reflect the mind-set and motivations of Yi’s cast of characters, all of whom are vividly depicted in terms of appearance, character traits, and, in some cases, plunging us deep into the darkness that lurks at the heart of them. Don’t expect to empathise with his characters and prepare yourself for some pretty damning observations on the worst that humankind can be…
I wouldn’t say that this collection is for everyone, as Yi has no truck with softening the grim motivations of some of his characters, and there are a few genuinely uncomfortable scenes. However, it was interesting for me to read a literary form that I don’t experience regularly, and I enjoyed the way in which Yi provides a piercing insight into Chinese culture and society, and to explore the darker areas of the human psyche.
April 3, 2020
A collection of literary fiction short stories, set in China and translated from Chinese. The collection focuses on crime and darker aspects of life and love. The unique and well-written stories explore Chinese society and the complexity of its individuals.
Crime features in most of the stories. The author’s knowledge of forensic science colours many of the stories, which are often explicit and graphic. Descriptions of violence and its results make some of the stories closer to horror fiction, but the underlying theme is, what people as individuals and en masse are capable of, given the right provocation.
The stories give the reader a sense of life in China. Like all short stories, some are easier to relate to than others, but if you are looking for something different, and can accept graphic descriptions, this is worth reading.
I received a copy of this book from Flame Tree Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Crime features in most of the stories. The author’s knowledge of forensic science colours many of the stories, which are often explicit and graphic. Descriptions of violence and its results make some of the stories closer to horror fiction, but the underlying theme is, what people as individuals and en masse are capable of, given the right provocation.
The stories give the reader a sense of life in China. Like all short stories, some are easier to relate to than others, but if you are looking for something different, and can accept graphic descriptions, this is worth reading.
I received a copy of this book from Flame Tree Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
March 30, 2020
I am always saying I am a huge fan of short stories and this collection is no different. I will start by saying that this book is not for the faint hearted amongst you. It deals with a lot of issues, and includes violence.
There are seven stories in the book and if you don’t mind a challenging read then this is definitely for you. Yes it is dark but it is so well written that the characters and situations come off the page and I have found the book stay with you after. Making you think, and I always find this a good thing.
Highly recommended.
There are seven stories in the book and if you don’t mind a challenging read then this is definitely for you. Yes it is dark but it is so well written that the characters and situations come off the page and I have found the book stay with you after. Making you think, and I always find this a good thing.
Highly recommended.
April 1, 2020
“Two Lives” is an original collection of Chinese short stories for open-minded readers. It’s dark, twisted and a little odd, so I’d recommend taking these stories slowly rather than all in one go.
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
March 23, 2020
In Two Lives A Yi tells seven stories with life, love and crime as their central themes. His writing has been described as on the dark side and he’s known for his “bizarre literary style and utterly unsentimental worldview”.
Two Lives is the manifestation of these comments. Having read a fair amount of writing from Chinese, Japanese and Korean authors, I thought I knew what I was letting myself in for. One can expect a certain amount of quirkiness, stripped down prose and a different worldview from your own. However, this was a whole other cup of tea.
Brace yourself for a fair amount of profanity, graphic detail, violence and ample sexual references to anatomy. This being said, I’m not shocked easily, but I did find this, in combination to the depiction of women, offensive. Yi’s world is a grim reality and this coming from someone who reads crime novels on a daily basis and grisly Nordic Noir before bedtime.
Unfortunately I couldn't finish Two Lives. I managed to read the first three stories, but the violence depicted in them was just too much for me to digest. Yi is an acquired taste, one I’m OK to pass along for someone else to experience. Nonetheless, his style of writing and choice of subject matter will appeal to a certain demographic.
Two Lives is published by Flame Tree Press and is the first in the new Flame Tree Press series, Stories from China. This review copy was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Two Lives is the manifestation of these comments. Having read a fair amount of writing from Chinese, Japanese and Korean authors, I thought I knew what I was letting myself in for. One can expect a certain amount of quirkiness, stripped down prose and a different worldview from your own. However, this was a whole other cup of tea.
Brace yourself for a fair amount of profanity, graphic detail, violence and ample sexual references to anatomy. This being said, I’m not shocked easily, but I did find this, in combination to the depiction of women, offensive. Yi’s world is a grim reality and this coming from someone who reads crime novels on a daily basis and grisly Nordic Noir before bedtime.
Unfortunately I couldn't finish Two Lives. I managed to read the first three stories, but the violence depicted in them was just too much for me to digest. Yi is an acquired taste, one I’m OK to pass along for someone else to experience. Nonetheless, his style of writing and choice of subject matter will appeal to a certain demographic.
Two Lives is published by Flame Tree Press and is the first in the new Flame Tree Press series, Stories from China. This review copy was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
March 31, 2020
Difficult but rewarding read. Full review on blog 3rd April 2020
March 24, 2020
DNF. Not for me. Too obscure.
March 20, 2020
This was a really good novel, each of the stories had a unique voice and I enjoyed each story in this book. I don't think there was a weak story in there. I look forward to more in the Stories from China series if they are as good as this book is.
March 12, 2020
I like the style of the writing, which is somewhat typical Chinese, but I also like stories that make sense. These don't.
January 3, 2020
I certainly liked the translation which felt authentic such that I found myself missing out the definite articles as often happens when native Chinese speakers speak English. The stories turned out not to be my cup of tea though - black yes, full of death yes, but bizarre and I freely admit that I only made it to the end of 'Bach' at about 67% in. Death featured rather heavily and strange characters who were 28 but had disappeared for the last 30 years of their lives (I must have got that wrong somewhere but didn't feel the urge to return and find out where). There seemed to be no strong thread through any story, no beginning, middle, end. I guess too avant garde for me. I appreciate the opportunity to try something outside my comfort zone, it's how we can enrich our lives and I also feel somewhat guilty about leaving a low score - not my type of book after all but others will think differently as it is well-written/translated., Thanks to NetGalley and Flame Tree Press for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2022
The collection of stories is unique; it’s never an easy challenge to write down an anthology. There are lots of topic that were told but crime and mystery were the main theme. In every story, if you really focus and understand the way it were told, you will get a life lesson from the characters. Dark, twisted and makes you question “Did this event really happened in our society? Did human being really this weird?"
To be honest, reading this book felt like such a long journey to me. And a painful one, I might add.
Regarding the stories, every story gave me lots of mixed emotion. There are story that hooked me up right away; my brain focused on guessing where its heading and after reading it, there’s some life lesson that I could take from it. But then, there are story that got me look like that Spongebob-confused-meme; my brain would go off-track mid story and feeling lost.
Salute for the author for wrote down stories like these; but I think the translation didn’t work that well and that's what made this book felt a lil' bit difficult to follow.
To be honest, reading this book felt like such a long journey to me. And a painful one, I might add.
Regarding the stories, every story gave me lots of mixed emotion. There are story that hooked me up right away; my brain focused on guessing where its heading and after reading it, there’s some life lesson that I could take from it. But then, there are story that got me look like that Spongebob-confused-meme; my brain would go off-track mid story and feeling lost.
Salute for the author for wrote down stories like these; but I think the translation didn’t work that well and that's what made this book felt a lil' bit difficult to follow.
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January 13, 2020Review coming to Dead Head Reviews soon ...
January 15, 2020
Thank you Net Galley. I did not like this book . I found it amoral, misogynistic and repulsive. I am not going to read more by this author..
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews