子不語   By: Mei Yuan (1716-1798)

"子不語" by Mei Yuan is a beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the power of communication. The story follows a young girl named Lin who struggles to connect with her distant father and finds solace in nature and her own quiet contemplation.

Yuan's prose is lyrical and poetic, drawing the reader into Lin's world and allowing us to experience her poignant moments of reflection and self-discovery. The author's vivid descriptions of the natural landscape mirror the emotional landscape of the characters, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

Overall, "子不語" is a moving and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and the bonds that hold families together. Yuan's storytelling is both intimate and universal, making this book a compelling read for anyone who enjoys beautifully crafted literary fiction.

First Page:

　　「怪、力、亂、神」，子所不語也。然「龍血」、「鬼車」，《繫詞》語之；「玄鳥」生商，牛羊飼稷，《雅》、《頌》語之。左丘明親受業於聖人，而內外傳語此四者尤詳，厥何故歟？蓋聖人教人「文、行、忠、信」而已，此外則「未知生，焉知死」，「敬鬼神而遠之」，所以立人道之極也。《周易》取象幽渺，詩人自記祥瑞，左氏恢奇多聞，垂為文章，所以窮天地之變也，其理皆並行而不悖。 　　余生平寡嗜好，凡飲酒、度曲、摴蒲，可以接群居之歡者，一無能焉，文史外無以自娛，乃廣采遊心駭耳之事，妄言妄聽，記而存之，非有所惑也，譬如嗜味者饜八珍矣，而不廣嘗夫蚳醢葵菹則脾困；嗜音者備《咸》、《韶》矣，而不旁及於侏㒧僸則耳狹。以妄驅庸，以駭起惰，不有博弈者乎？為之猶賢，是亦裨諶適野之一樂也。昔顏魯公、李鄴侯功在社稷，而好談神怪；韓昌黎以道自任，而喜駁雜無稽之談；徐騎省排斥佛、老，而好采異聞，門下士竟有偽造以取媚者。四賢之長，吾無能為役也；四賢之短，則吾竊取之矣。 　　書成，初名《子不語》，後見元人說部有雷同者，乃改... Continue reading book >>