The long novel Old Shawo tells the arduous story of rural revitalization through the decades-long, turbulent history of a small village called Old Shawo, located along the old course of the Yellow River in western Shandong, from poverty to prosperity.
The novel opens in the form of a folk song, using scenery to express emotion in a clever composition. Told in a straightforward, leisurely style, it recounts in rich detail the difficult lives of Li Daxing's family, spanning two generations of fathers and sons. It authentically portrays the spirit and aspirations of Chinese rural farmers across different eras and periods.
Through its depictions of such ordinary villagers as Si Day, Er Baigua, Widow Jiang, Er Landan, and Guo Laogeng, the novel paints a series of beautiful scenes of Old Shawo. It also tells the story of Secretary Ming, the commune secretary, competing with villagers in reaping wheat during a visit to the countryside, and Wang Ruming, the township Party secretary, recognizing talent without regard to convention. From different angles and perspectives, the novel portrays the outlook on life, ideas, and values of three generations of village leaders: Ma Yongshan, Wang Fenglian, and Li Daxing.
The novel's language is simple, its prose flows smoothly, and its characters are vividly drawn and full of life. Its historical periods are clearly delineated. Without relying on ornate language, it still draws readers in and makes for an engaging read. The ending closely ties into the theme of rural revitalization, with profound meaning that lingers in the mind. It is a rare work of realistic fiction.
