Peace

Peace is a collection of novellas and short stories by the writer Jing Ge, published in December 2018 by Changjiang Literature and Art Publishing House in "New Century Writers Series, Fourth Set." The book includes such pieces as "Confession," "The Girl from Nanxun," "A Black Story," "This Year in Madrid," "The Madrid Disappearance," "Castor Bean," "Magpie," "Scent Remains," "Tears," "The Anti-Theft Chronicle," "Cat Lady," "Peace," "Looking at Flowers as Myself," and "Kinship," most of which revolve around everyday life in Jiangnan towns. The title piece, "Peace," is regarded as the one that best embodies Jing Ge's narrative style and linguistic character: the story begins with the process of seeing his grandmother through her final days, and from a funeral draws out the comings and goings, calculations, and warmth of a large family; within a narration that seems light and even humorous, it presents the many faces of family affection and the complexity of human nature, and also conveys a sense of life's absurdity. Jing Ge excels at writing all sorts of characters and the trivial details of life; his touch is unhurried and his language nimble, hiding bewilderment and sorrow within lightness, and his stories are entertaining yet thought-provoking. This book suits readers who enjoy contemporary novellas and short stories and who favor Jiangnan atmosphere and a realistic touch.