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Embrace the epic journey and join in on captivating discussions that highlight the novel’s themes of resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of the human experience.
Overview of the Book:
Yu Hua is one of China's most well-known authors and his bestselling novel, To Live, has been named one of China's ten most influential books of the last decade. The novel was made into a critically acclaimed film of the same name with China's best-known actress. It tells the poignant tale of a man's transformation from the spoiled son of a rich landlord to an honorable and kindhearted peasant as he and his family endure the ravages of war and starvation. Yu explains in a postscript that the idea for the novel came after he was deeply moved by an American folk song called "Old Black Joe" about a slave who lived through decades of hardships yet was still kind. "Though unmistakably Chinese," writes author Ha Jin, Yu's novels "are universally resonant."
About NEA Big Read:
The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read—a partnership with Arts Midwest—broadens our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience. The goals of the NEA Big Read are to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community.
| Mon, Dec 23 | 12:00PM to 8:00PM |
| Tue, Dec 24 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Wed, Dec 25 | Closed |
| (Christmas Day) | |
| Thu, Dec 26 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Fri, Dec 27 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Sat, Dec 28 | 10:00AM to 6:00PM |
| Sun, Dec 29 | Closed |
