浮生六記   By: Fu Shen (1763 - ca. 1808)

浮生六記 by Fu Shen is a captivating and beautifully written novel that transports the reader to old China. The author’s vivid descriptions and rich character development paint a vivid picture of the bustling streets and ancient traditions of Chinese society. The story follows the journey of a young man as he navigates love, loss, and self-discovery against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.

The novel’s exploration of themes such as family, duty, and personal growth is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The characters are well-rounded and dynamic, each facing their own struggles and triumphs in a society that is both mysterious and ultimately familiar.

Fu Shen’s prose is elegant and poetic, drawing the reader in with its lyrical beauty. The pacing of the story is engaging, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Overall, 浮生六記 is a remarkable work of historical fiction that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Chinese culture, history, and the timeless quest for meaning and belonging in the world.

First Page:

余生乾隆癸未冬十一月二十有二日，正值太平盛世，且在衣冠之家， 後蘇州滄浪亭畔，天之厚我可謂至矣。東坡云：「事如春夢了無痕」 ，苟不記之筆墨，未免有辜彼蒼之厚。因思《關雎》冠三百篇之首， 被列夫婦於首卷，余以次遞及焉。所愧少年失學，稍識之無，不過記 其實情實事而已，若必考訂其文法，是責明於垢鑒矣。 余幼聘金沙於氏，八齡而夭。娶陳氏。陳名芸，字淑珍，舅氏心餘先 生女也。生而穎慧，學語時，口授《琵琶行》，即能成誦。四齡失怙 ，母金氏，弟克昌，家徒壁立。芸既長，嫻女紅，三口仰其十指供給 ，克昌從師，修脯無缺。一日，於書簏中得《琵琶行》，挨字而認， 始識字。刺繡之暇，漸通吟詠，有「秋侵人影瘦，霜染菊花肥」之句 。余年─十三，隨母歸寧，兩小無嫌，得見所作，雖嘆其才思雋秀， 竊恐其福澤不深，然心注不能釋，告母曰：「若為兒擇婦，非淑姊不 娶。」母亦愛其柔和，即脫金約指締姻焉。此乾隆乙未七月十六日也 。 是年冬，值其堂姊出閣，余又隨母往。芸與余同齒而長余十月，自幼 姊弟相呼，故仍呼�... Continue reading book >>