A Family Beneath the Big Pagoda Tree is a detailed family history spanning seven generations. Drawing on a wealth of facts, it shows how the family rose and fell, just as the author’s brother wrote in his inscription for the book: Never forget your family history; revive the family.
Historical records tell of how the ancestors fled Hongtong County in Shanxi and eventually settled in what is now Beijing. Who could say how much hardship and bitterness they endured along the way?
The book tells in detail the stories of the fourth and fifth generations. Though it has no dramatic twists and turns, every sentence is infused with the author’s love for the family. There are no ornate words, no dramatic embellishments, and no fabricated events. The book is built around the experiences that left the deepest impression on the author. Surrounded by the love of family and filled with deep affection for the clan, the author recounts what they saw, heard, felt, and thought, sharing that heartfelt bond with the whole family. For these reasons, I have written in detail about my parents’ generation and my own, hoping to inspire future generations to work hard, be self-reliant, live frugally, and strive forward. Whatever achievements we have made are thanks to our parents and ancestors. This book spans a long period of time, and the author wrote every chapter through tears.
Our parents’ words and actions influenced and moved us throughout our lives. This is a book worth treasuring for a lifetime.
Our family is also a wanderer who came out from under the big locust tree. I heard my grandpa and grandpa said that they escaped from the famine. Make time and go back to the big locust tree. This is also what the older generation thinks of me. This is also what I, a wanderer, think of returning to my tribe.
Listening to the stories of that era is very cordial and can educate future generations.
After listening to this novel, the language is simple and down-to-earth. These things were experienced by people of that era. I like to listen to them.