燕子箋   By: Dacheng Ruan (1587-1646)

燕子箋 by Dacheng Ruan is a beautifully written novel that delves into the complicated relationships between family members and the consequences of hidden secrets. The story follows the protagonist, a young woman named Jingru, as she returns to her family home in China after studying abroad in America. Jingru is met with a tense and strained atmosphere as she uncovers long-buried truths about her family's past.

The author does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of Jingru's family dynamics, showcasing the emotional turmoil and conflicts that arise from years of misunderstandings and betrayals. Ruan's writing is both poetic and evocative, capturing the essence of Jingru's struggle to come to terms with her family's history and her own identity.

Overall, 燕子箋 is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of love. Ruan's storytelling is engaging and heartfelt, making this book a compelling read for anyone interested in family dramas and the complexities of human relationships.

First Page:

　　扶風才子，嫖姚後裔，霍姓都梁。挈友長安取應，為試期尚遠，追歡笑，暫過平康。丹青筆，聽鶯撲蝶，小像寫雲娘。 　　不料朱門有女，與青樓一樣，窈窕相當。把春容箋詠，燕子銜將。被同儕計構，更名姓，決策勤王。 　　二美並，麒麟高閣，走馬狀元郎。 　　－－漢宮春 　　天地間，惟婚姻一道，總由天定，莫可人為也。有三媒六妁得就姻緣的，也有始散終成才全匹配的。更有那東牀坦腹是擇婚眼高的，屏風射雀是宿緣暗合的。還有那紅葉流水竟結絲籮，纊衣題詩終成眷屬的。自古及今，難以枚舉，獨有才子佳人湊合最難，往往經多少離合悲歡，歷無限是非口舌，才能完聚。總而言之，須得月下老人婚姻簿上注了姓名，雖然受些險阻，到底全美。我故說：「婚姻一道，總由天定，莫可人為也。」閒話休題，我且舉一件最奇的故事，說與看官們聽。 　　且說大唐元宗年間，有個才子，姓霍，名都梁，表字秀夫，扶風茂陵人氏。原是嫖姚後裔，近來流寓西京。生得貌賽潘安，才過班馬，渾身瀟灑，滿腹文章，不止歌賦詩詞，還曉丹�... Continue reading book >>