The Luan River Family

The River Luan Homestead unfolds along two storylines. The main one follows the rise and fall of the Song family across three generations, from the fortunes and hardships of protagonist Song Donglai to those of his children and grandchildren. The secondary storyline portrays the everyday lives and fortunes of the families in the main courtyard and the second courtyard, painting a vivid picture of life and emotion steeped in the distinctive character of eastern Hebei. The story of protagonist Song Donglai's struggle, with its strong streak of individual heroism, is both moving and poignant. The many other characters also leap vividly off the page. The novel's descriptions of the scenery in the towns and countryside of Luanzhou, and of the ancient Luan River, leave readers with unforgettable impressions that stir the heart.