Rooted in eastern Sichuan and framed by the fate of the nation, this novel recreates the fervent exodus of Sichuanese volunteers to fight the Japanese, as well as the turning point brought by the restoration of the national college entrance examination in the new China. It delves into the personal feuds and passions, as well as the devotion to family and country, of ordinary people in those fiery times.
In Huachi Township, Shi Jie is imprisoned for helping wounded members of the eastern Sichuan guerrillas, and his younger cousin Shi Xiu struggles to buy his release. When the War of Resistance Against Japan breaks out, the Peng and Feng families put aside their past grievances and hold a mass wedding with young volunteers heading out of Sichuan. They join the army and go to war, and Qiushi returns home disabled.
During the War of Liberation, Captain Chen Feng dies in battle, and all of Sichuan is liberated. Feng Yihu acts without virtue or restraint, reigniting the feud between the Peng and Feng families, and Shi Jie is killed.
When the college entrance examination is reinstated, his son Peng Hongguo gives up his chance to take it, shouldering the production team’s responsibilities and leading the villagers in rebuilding their home.
A well-written novel, worth recommending
Good book, with a sense of the times!