"Stones and Flowing Water" is a novel that uses realism to describe the ups and downs of the characters in the tide of the times.
The story begins when Shi Fang returns to his hometown to visit his seriously ill grandmother. His grandmother's life is persevering, and her experiences reflect the vicissitudes of the family, and also lead to complex emotional entanglements among family members. Shi Fang worked hard in his career. From the hardships when he first entered the society to find a job, to the ups and downs in the business world after becoming a well-known lawyer, his experience showed the cruelty and opportunities of the workplace. At the same time, he and his wife Zheng Yinuo faced family trivial matters and differences in educational concepts during their marriage, and continued to grow through the trials of life.
Shi Fang's younger brother Shi Cheng loves painting and pursues a free lifestyle. His growth process is full of persistence in ideals and exploration of the meaning of life. His love with Zhang Xiaomian is innocent but helpless, and his life choices after graduation reflect his unique pursuit of self-worth.
In addition, the book also depicts many vivid characters, such as Shi Fang's friend Jiang Yucheng's struggle in marriage, Wang Zhizhong's rise and fall in the business wave, and their helplessness and tenacity in the face of life difficulties. The fates of these characters are intertwined, forming a colorful social picture.
With delicate descriptions, profound insights and grand narratives, the novel shows the profound impact of the changes of the times on people's lives and values, and triggers readers to think deeply about life, family, society and many other issues. It is a work with profound connotations and broad social significance.
