To Live by Michael Berry, Yu Hua

To Live

Michael Berry, Yu Hua

250 pages • first pub 1992 (editions)

fiction historical challenging emotional sad slow-paced

Description

From the author of Brothers and China in Ten Words this celebrated contemporary classic of Chinese literature was also adapted for film by Zhang Yimou. This searing novel, originally banned in China but later named one of that nation's most influe...

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Community Reviews Summary of 498 reviews

Moods

emotional 84%
sad 84%
reflective 63%
dark 34%
challenging 20%
hopeful 17%
inspiring 17%
informative 13%
tense 10%
adventurous 6%
funny 6%
lighthearted 1%

Pace

medium 60%
fast 25%
slow 14%

Plot- or character-driven?

A mix: 44% | Character: 42% | Plot: 14%

Strong character development?

Yes: 90% | It's complicated: 9%

Loveable characters?

It's complicated: 46% | Yes: 46% | No: 5% | N/A: 1%

Diverse cast of characters?

Yes: 42% | It's complicated: 21% | N/A: 19% | No: 16%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 84% | It's complicated: 11% | No: 3%

Average rating

4.21

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Content Warnings

Submitted by users as part of their reviews

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