Linjiang Sisters

"Linjiang Sisters" is a touching realist novel that tells the short but shining life of rural girl Chen Xiaoyu. The story takes place in rural China from 1988 to 2002. It begins with the marriage of Chen Liang and Wang Jumei, depicting the simplicity and warmth of farm life. Their eldest daughter Xiaoyu has been sensible since she was a child. At the age of six, she helped her father sell vegetables and took care of her younger siblings. She was admitted to the No. 1 Middle School in the county with third place in the county. However, on August 1, 2002, on her way home, twelve-year-old Xiaoyu risked her own life and jumped into the Xiaoqing River to save two children who had fallen into the water. She gave her hope of life to others, but she was swallowed by the river. The novel depicts Xiaoyu's kindness, filial piety and bravery with delicate brushstrokes, showing the great glory in ordinary life. Ten years later, Xiaoyu was posthumously recognized as a martyr. The "Xiaoyu Bridge" was built on the river where she saved people, and the elementary school she attended was renamed "Xiaoyu Elementary School". Her spirit, like the water of a long river, will always flow in people's hearts.​