The book serves as an oral history of Yang Yi, a renowned Chinese translator born in 1919, known for translating works like “Wuthering Heights”.
Hailing from a wealthy banking family and having witnessed pivotal historical transitions in 20th-century China, she had a wealth of experiences to share. The narrative commences with tales of her family. In the bygone era, affluent Chinese families were sizable, with the patriarch typically having several concubines alongside his wife. I found pleasure in delving into the anecdotes and gossip that Yang Yi shares.
The book also delves into her educational journey and relationships. While I’m not familiar with most of the celebrities in the cultural circle she references (her colleagues or teachers), I relished reading stories that bring those characters into life, showcasing they are the same as ordinary people, navigating arguments with neighbors or experiencing relationship dramas.
I found ample satisfaction in this book as I love gossip. It also serves as a portrayal of her peers' lives, with many of them meeting tragic ends and passim away at a young age due to the tumultuous events of the 20th century.