Betrayal

Name: Betrayal
ISBN: 9787801428707

Xu DahuiHuayi Publishing HouseJun 2023

3.6

Word count: 211K words
ISBN: 9787801428707

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Summary

Set against the backdrop of the 'Railway Wars', the novel paints a true picture of Russia and Japan vying for the resources of the Sanjiang region, vividly and profoundly showing how, in the face of foreign invaders, some people sell their bodies, their souls, and ultimately their national dignity and their country's wealth. A bandit chief kidnaps a general's daughter, then turns around and rescues her, thereby winning the general's trust and becoming his son-in-law. After the general is assassinated by the Russians, he takes command of the patrol army. This grassroots king of a commander is beset by crises: at his side are the Russian spy Yudie, planted years earlier as the general's adopted daughter; Yuezhixiang, a Japanese mistress and female spy; and a revolutionary secretly sent to serve as his adjutant... The story unfolds intricately among these people. In the author's portrayal, a group of unusual figures, including the fence-sitting county magistrate, the profit-seeking merchants, and the righteous timber-gang overseer, share the same hatred of the enemy yet choose their own paths and display distinct personalities. The novel is strongly plotted, devoted to revealing character and complexity in an age of upheaval, and abounds with colorful depictions of the customs and conditions of China's Northeast.

Editor's review

Betrayal is a novel of sharp contemporary social critique. With a cold, restrained touch, Xu Dahui sketches a modern parable of desire, betrayal, and the rise and fall of human nature. The novel builds an intricate narrative maze in which characters struggle in a vortex of power, money, and emotion; behind every act of "betrayal" lies the spiritual predicament and fracture of the individual during a period of social transformation. Xu Dahui's storytelling is masterful: the plot advances link by link, suspense is placed just right, ensuring both fluency and pleasure in reading without descending into mere sensationalism. His dissection of the dark side of human nature is especially profound; each choice the protagonist makes acts as a mirror reflecting the moral questions readers may themselves face. The value of this work lies not only in its gripping story but in the sharp incision it offers for observing and understanding the complex interpersonal ecology of contemporary society. It is not a light, pleasant diversion but a mirror that requires courage to face.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Serious literary readers interested in in-depth social themes and the analysis of human nature
Readers who appreciate tight plotting, mounting suspense, and a preference for realist narrative style
Thoughtful readers who hope to observe and understand the complex interpersonal relationships and ethical dilemmas of contemporary society through fiction
Researchers of Xu Dahui's work or readers drawn to his cold, restrained narrative style

Not a good fit for

Readers seeking light entertainment and purely escapist reading
Readers uncomfortable with a direct confrontation with the dark side of human nature and critique of social reality

Reading tips

It is recommended to read immersively in a relatively uninterrupted stretch of time, to better grasp the trajectory of the characters' fates and the plot's foreshadowing
While reading, pay attention to detailed description and dialogue, which often contain key narrative clues and psychological motivation
After reading, reflect in light of your own observations of contemporary society; you may gain insights beyond the text

About the publisher

Huayi Publishing House China · Founded in 1986

Huayi Publishing House is a publisher distinguished by traditional culture and humanistic reading, with a list covering Eastern philosophy, essays and miscellaneous writings, inspirational growth and history. Judging from its in-house titles, the press emphasizes the explanation and popularization of classic texts, such as Guo Yongjin's The Heart of the Dao De Jing and Lectures on the Great Learning, the Doctrine of the Mean, and the Chapter on the Great Harmony of the Li Yun, Cai Lixu's Lectures on the Di Zi Gui (A Fulfilling Life, Good Lessons in Moral Education) and How to Build a Happy Life, and Yang Shufen's Moral Education Stories (Little Stories of True Wisdom), combining Confucian and Daoist classics with life education. In literature it offers Yu Qiuyu's The Walker Has No Borders; in history, the multi-volume Speaking of Chinese History series, with Li Xueqin among the contributors, traces the historical course from high antiquity to the Qin and Han dynasties. Its authors are concentrated in the study of traditional culture and humanistic writing, and its publishing style leans toward classic interpretation and accessible expression. Owing to limited public information, other publishing features are not yet known.

FAQ

What is the main plot of this book about?

The story centers on how an individual, amid enormous temptation of interest and a complex web of relationships, sinks step by step into the abyss of "betraying" others and his own soul, revealing the alienation of human nature and the uncontrollability of fate driven by desire.

What are the characteristics of Xu Dahui's writing style?

Xu Dahui excels at depicting social reality in a calm, restrained tone, with a rigorous narrative structure and plot development full of tension; he is especially skilled at uncovering dramatic conflict and the depth of human nature in seemingly ordinary scenes of life.

What is the reading experience of this book like?

Reading it involves considerable psychological tension and intellectual pressure. It is not a warm story that offers comfort but rather a journey of reflection on morality and survival, which may prompt readers to examine their own circumstances and choices.

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About the author

Xu Dahui Author · Chinese · 1956

Xu Dahui, who also writes under the pen names Yanweizi and Zhengyan, was born in September 1956 in Shuangliao, Jilin. He is a member of the China Writers Association and holds a second-level literary creation professional title. He graduated from the Jilin Writers Advanced Study College in 1987 and has served as deputy editor-in-chief of the magazine Guandong Writers and as vice chairman and secretary-general of the Siping Writers Association. He began publishing in 1976 and has written 42 novels, including Undercover, Fleeing, The Rival and Snow Wolf, several of which have been adapted for television. His work spans otherworld fantasy, social fiction, mystery and suspense, and documentary literature. Representative titles include Risking Life, Snow Wolf, Huazi House, Control, Betrayal, Gunpoint, The Last Opium Pipe and Wolf Smoke, with 22 titles held in the collection. His writing tends toward tight plotting and sharp conflict, often moving between suspense and social reality.