The Four Books
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By Yan Lianke
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In the ninety-ninth district of a sprawling labour camp, the Author, Musician, Scholar, Theologian and Technician are undergoing Re-education, to restore their revolutionary zeal and credentials. In charge of this process is the Child, who delights in draconian rules, monitoring behaviour and confiscating treasured books.
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I found the Four Books a challenging but ultimately rewarding read. The book certainly takes a while to get into, and there initially seems to be a great deal of unnecessary repetition. I greatly enjoyed the second half of the book and found the fourth "book", a "New Myth of Sisyphus" very thought provoking. I also found the historical setting - China's Great Leap Forward - fascinating, and the perfect setting for the bitter dark satire that the book excels in.
