Hey, folks. I have recently read my first chinese novel and wanted to share it!

This novel marked the second stop in my personal Reading Around the World challenge, which I began in December 2024 with Hungarian literature.

I came across Brothers by chance, finding a copy in a bookstore without any prior knowledge of the author or the story. This habit of reading books with no expectations has been an incredible experience, allowing me to explore new cultures without being confined to a single aesthetic or theme.

About it

Brothers, by chinese author Da Chen, is an epic novel set in 20th-century China, spanning the Cultural Revolution and the country’s political transformations. The narrative follows the lives of two half-brothers, Tan and Shento, who grow up unaware of each other’s existence yet remain deeply intertwined by fate.

Shento, the illegitimate son of a high-ranking Communist Party official, faces poverty and marginalization, while Tan, the legitimate heir, is raised to become a promising leader. After their father’s death during political purges, their lives take drastically different paths—only to collide in an intense and tragic confrontation. The novel explores ambition, identity, and betrayal, delving into the impact of political upheaval on individual lives and family relationships.

First Impressions

From the very first chapters, duality stood out as one of the novel’s defining aspects. The book juxtaposes destiny and fatalism, harmony and destruction, war and heroism, love and tragedy, while also strongly engaging with themes of rebellion and social justice.

Another striking element is the significance of family origin and social status in shaping the characters. Unlike many Western narratives, where profession is often a secondary detail, here it is a fundamental determinant of identity. From the outset, social standing and lineage are central to the story’s progression.

Da Chen’s prose balances poetry with precision. His descriptions of nature and beauty are lyrical, yet his portrayal of action and conflict is direct and measured, creating a reading experience that oscillates between introspection and dynamism.

Recurring Themes and Narrative Structure

The novel shifts between the perspectives of Tan, Shento, and other key figures, enriching the story while heightening suspense. This structure keeps the reader immersed, anticipating the moment when the brothers’ fates will inevitably intersect, even if curiously, they never actually met. Additionally, “bridge characters” move between narrative threads, serving as crucial links in the unfolding drama.

Beyond the theme of duality and the influence of fate, the novel grapples with the pursuit of power, the sacrifices made in the name of ambition, and the constant struggle between tradition and change. The Cultural Revolution is not merely a backdrop but an active force that shapes the characters’ destinies.

The Count of Monte Cristo

Throughout the novel, it frequently evoked The Count of Monte Cristo in its themes. Both stories feature protagonists driven by obsessive quests—Edmond Dantès by vengeance, Tan and Shento by power. Yet as they achieve their ambitions, they lose what might have truly made them happy.

Dantès realizes that his journey has cost him love and inner peace, just as Tan and Shento see their bonds disintegrate in their battle for status and influence. Both novels serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of unchecked ambition and how the pursuit of control can ironically lead to isolation and loss.

The Role of Sexuality in the Narrative

Sexuality is a strong theme here, reflecting both traditional and Communist-era Chinese values and taboos. The novel examines how the body can serve as both an instrument of power and a site of submission, particularly in the case of female characters, who are often used as bargaining tools in political alliances.

The concept of female “purity” is exalted, while male sexuality is linked to power and dominance (not quite diferente from western novels, but not always so brought up), highlighting societal hypocrisy. Furthermore, the romantic experiences of Tan and Shento mirror their relationship with power—one seeks control and possession, while the other engages in a forbidden love that challenges imposed norms. In this way, the novel interrogates morality and the double standards surrounding desire and ambition.

Some Final Thoughts

The novel really sparked my interest in learning more about Buddhism, as it is a recurring motif in the narrative. Perhaps that will be the focus of my next selection in this literary journey.

So, about you, reader, have you read anything chinese? Or by Da Chen? Next up I’m also picking up some old Tang-Dynasty poetry and short stories. If you have any recommendations, I would love to hear!