Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie (2000)

Two bourgeois young men are sent to the hinterlands for re-education during the Cultural Revolution.

Book Review:  Rarely do we associate the word "charming" with forced labor, yet somehow Dai Sijie managed to create this wry, humorous, and captivating book. The characters in Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress could have presented themselves as victims of the genuine suffering of re-education during China's Cultural Revolution and expected pity. Instead the book shows their small moments of triumph over misery, a resourceful spirit that doesn't demand hand-holding, finding flowers of affirmation in the dung of their lives. One of the most striking themes is seeing how great literature eased their suffering and gave them some control over their world. Today we have great literature readily available, but this was a time and place with little literature beyond revolutionary propaganda. A world of thought and freedom opened to the two young friends when they found a forbidden trove of the West's great works. In Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress Sijie brilliantly shares their realization that there are ways to think beyond those with which they had been indoctrinated. It's a joy to see these two friends loyally stick together, with a steady sense of humor, and to watch the growth of the Little Seamstress when she too is exposed to taboo ideas. This is a little book, and although it encompasses one of the great upheavals in history, it doesn't try to do too much. Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress is a simple story simply told. Dai Sijie has provided us with a quick read and an enlightening glimpse into a time of history that seems largely forgotten today. The translation from the French by Ina Rilke flows easily, although there were a number of "is that the right word?" moments. The only flaw in the book is the ending, which tho adequate, and humorous, was perfunctory, and seemed to undercut some of the story's themes up to that point.  Well worth reading, even if one might wish for a different conclusion. And even better if you do like the ending. (BTW, I've learned that this was made into a film in 2005, tho I haven't seen it yet). [4 Stars]