Sounds of the River: A Young Man's University Days in Beijing - Softcover

Chen, Da

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060958723 ISBN 13: 9780060958725

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2003

Synopsis

In this "equally beguiling sequel to his acclaimed memoir, Colors of the Mountain" (Kirkus Reviews), teenager Da Chen takes his first train ride away from the farm he was raised on to his new university life in Beijing. He soon faces a host of ghastly challenges, including poor living conditions, lack of food, and suicidal roommates. Undaunted by these hurdles, and armed with a dogged determination to learn English and "all things Western," he competes to win a chance to study in America -- a chance that rests in the shrewd and corrupt hands of the almighty professors.

Poetic, hilarious, and heartbreaking, Sounds of the River is a gloriously written coming-of-age saga that chronicles a remarkable journey -- a travelogue of the heart.

About this title

Product Description:

Sounds of the River Facing wretched living conditions, suicidal roommates, and corrupt professors at the university, Da remains determined to learn "all things Western." His dream is to go to America. Joining "Memoirs of a Geisha, A Gesture Life, " and "Waiting" in a growing library of Asian-American literature, "Sounds of the River" chronicles a remarkable journey--a travelogue of the heart.

Review:

Readers will already be looking forward to the next installment.--Kirkus (Starred Review)

Da...is certainly likable. And his transformation from country boy to big city college professor moves briskly and entertainingly along.--San Francisco Chronicle Book Review

"A story about suppression, humiliation, vindication and, ultimately, triumph."--New York Times Book Review

A story about suppression, humiliation, vindication and, ultimately, triumph. --New York Times Book Review"

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0060958723
• ISBN 13: 9780060958725
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320