This book is fantastic, in the true sense of the word. What an adventure and a trip!

It is similar to Pearl Buck's, The Good Earth. Disaster and hardship is followed by very brief joys in Chinas history.

This 15-year old novel by Mo Yan, the first Chinese writer to win a Nobel Literature Prize, is one thick novel which tells a story that span 3 generations. English translation is excellent. An great read for open-minded readers who are not intimidated by the great number of key characters in the book. Off these characters, women prevail over men.