The audio text is narrated by artificial intelligence: thanks to clear diction and impeccable pronunciation, this recording is especially convenient for those studying foreign languages. Van Meng is one of the key figures in Chinese literature; in China even exists an institute dedicated to studying his legacy, and the novel “Metamorphoses, or The Folding Picture Game” (1987) is rightfully considered an important milestone in the country’s literary history.
This book invites you to look into the life of an ordinary Chinese family and hear the expressive, rich Chinese language in which the story is told. The head of the family, Ni Uchen, originally from a distant village, managed to get an education in Europe. But when he returns home in difficult circumstances, he keeps coming back—again and again—to his happy student years. The author creates the images of Ni Uchen, his wife, and children with subtlety and conviction, conveying details of everyday life and signs of the era.
Van Meng’s novel turns ordinary routines into a window into Eastern traditions and, through a play of associations, helps you see the surrounding reality—and yourselves—in a new light.