To Live (novel)

''To Live'' () is a novel written by Chinese novelist Yu Hua in 1993. It describes the struggles endured by Fugui, the son of a wealthy landowner, while historical events caused and extended by the Chinese Communist Revolution fundamentally alter the nature of Chinese society. The contrast between his pre-revolutionary status as a selfish rich idler who (literally) travels on the shoulders of the downtrodden and his post-revolutionary status as a persecuted peasant is stark. The novel delves into profound themes of resilience, human suffering and the pursuit of meaning in life. By tracing Fugui’s journey through decades of societal upheaval, Yu Hua vividly illustrates the fragility and strength of the human spirit. The depiction of ordinary people enduring extraordinary hardships has resonated with readers across cultural and historical boundaries.

Jia Guo, a PhD student at Sorbonne University, wrote that ''To Live'' the novel had "great renown". It was the signal of his creative transformation in literature from avant-garde fiction to literary realism. The story begins with the narrator traveling through the countryside to collect folk songs and local legends and hears an old peasant's life story, which encompasses major historical events in China. Over the course of the story, the main character, Xu Fugui, witnesses the death of his family members and loved ones. The literature techniques Yu applies in the story reveal both the struggles and hope of the laypeople aroused sympathy and recognition from the public when it was published.

The book was originally published in the Shanghai literary journal ''Harvest'' (). A film rendition, directed by Zhang Yimou, was released in 1994. The novel has also been adapted into a television series and stage play.

Since its publication, the novel has transcended cultural boundaries, becoming a cornerstone of modern Chinese literature recognized worldwide. Its translations into over a dozen languages have introduced global audiences to the complexities of Chinese history and the universal struggles of humanity. The novel’s themes continue to inspire discussions on resilience and the human condition. Provided by Wikipedia