Discover books similar to "Waiting"

Ha Jin

Waiting

3.51

"Waiting" by Ha Jin is a powerful and poignant exploration of love, desire, and the cultural upheaval that occurred in China during the mid-twentieth century. The novel is set in the small town of Linan, where Lin Kong, a army doctor, is trapped in a loveless marriage to a simple peasant woman, Manna. Lin has been waiting for the necessary papers to divorce Manna for fifteen years, but cultural norms and societal expectations keep him from obtaining them. Meanwhile, Lin becomes involved with a nurse, Nan Wu, who is intelligent, independent, and fiercely devoted to him. However, their love is threatened by Lin's inability to leave his wife and the strict traditions that dictate their lives. Jin masterfully portrays the complexities of Chinese culture, both rural and urban, and the political turmoil that marked the era. The novel is also a profound examination of the human condition, as the characters grapple with the consequences of their choices and the weight of societal expectations. The prose is elegant and understated, with Jin's precise and evocative language painting a vivid picture of life in China during this time. The novel is also a meditation on the nature of time, as the characters are forced to wait for what they desire, and the impact that has on their lives. "Waiting" is a rich and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on Chinese history and culture, while also exploring universal themes of love, desire, and the human condition. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese literature, or in exploring the complexities of human relationships...

List of books similar to "Waiting":

Amy Tan

The Joy Luck Club

This book explores the relationships between four Chinese mothers and their American-born daughters, focusing on the cultural and generational gaps that exist between them. Like 'Waiting', it delves into the complexities of Chinese culture and the impact of political events on individuals' lives.

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Pearl S. Buck

The Good Earth

Set in rural China, this novel tells the story of Wang Lung, a humble farmer who rises to become a wealthy landowner. The book provides a fascinating insight into Chinese culture and society, much like 'Waiting'.

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Dai Sijie

Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress

Set during the Cultural Revolution, this novel tells the story of two city boys who are sent to a remote mountain village for re-education. They discover a hidden stash of Western classics, which they read and discuss, leading to a profound transformation. The book shares similar themes of political upheaval and personal transformation with 'Waiting'.

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Lisa See

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

This novel tells the story of two girls in 19th-century China who become sworn sisters and communicate through a secret language. The book explores the roles of women in Chinese society, much like 'Waiting'.

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Junot Díaz

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

This novel tells the story of a Dominican-American nerd from Paterson, New Jersey, who struggles to find his place in the world. The book shares similar themes of identity, culture, and history with 'Waiting'.

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Viet Thanh Nguyen

The Sympathizer

This novel tells the story of a communist double agent who is forced to flee Vietnam after the fall of Saigon. The book shares similar themes of political upheaval, identity, and exile with 'Waiting'.

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Adam Johnson

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This novel tells the story of a man who rises to power in North Korea, only to discover the true cost of his ambition. The book shares similar themes of political upheaval, identity, and exile with 'Waiting'.

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