Breakout cover

Breakout

Rating 3.9
Word count
134K words
Chapters
48
ISBN
9787800807954

Tags

Summary

Feng Xiaogang's annual blockbuster Assembly author Yang Jinyuan delivers a powerful new military novel—Breakout Unleased! Amid the shifting tides of war and peace, his fate is destined to be filled with joys and sorrows, partings and reunions—whether in his political career or in marriage and love... Life, psyche, and human nature break through again and again in struggle...

Editor's review

Yang Jinyuan's Breakout is a war novel set against the backdrop of the War of Resistance Against Japan, focusing on individual fate and human choices. Rather than dwelling on grand war narrative, the work delves into the ordinary soldiers and civilians of a besieged village, vividly portraying the light and shadow of human nature under the shadow of war through their struggle, survival, and resistance in extreme adversity. With solid craftsmanship and restrained narration, the author immerses readers in the suffocating atmosphere of the siege and the astonishing courage and wisdom that erupt in desperate straits.

The book's value lies in its deep exploration of war and human nature. It is not merely a war novel but a mirror held up to humanity. Every choice the characters make in the face of life-and-death tests is thought-provoking. Yang Jinyuan excels at creating three-dimensional characters; his figures are neither absolute heroes nor cowards, but ordinary people swept up by the tide of history, making difficult decisions in specific circumstances. This portrayal of complexity lends the story authenticity and emotional power, allowing the trauma and reflection brought by war to resonate more deeply. From a literary perspective, the novel is tightly structured, paced with tension and ease, written in plain yet powerful language, and distinguished by superb atmosphere—a testament to the author's deep narrative skill. For readers who wish to go beyond simple friend-foe narratives and explore the complexity of war and the depths of human nature, Breakout is a rare gem.

Who it's for

A good fit for

  • Readers interested in the history of the War of Resistance Against Japan who wish to understand ordinary people's experiences at the micro level
  • Literature lovers who appreciate deep character portrayals and are drawn to inner struggle and growth
  • Readers seeking to feel the radiance of humanity and the resilience of life amid tense plotting
  • Readers interested in exploring moral choices and the philosophy of survival in extreme circumstances

Not a good fit for

  • Readers expecting fast-paced, pure military confrontation and grand battle scenes
  • Readers seeking light entertainment who are uncomfortable with heavy historical themes

Reading tips

  1. Read in a relatively quiet environment to better immerse yourself in the tense, besieged atmosphere the novel creates
  2. Pay attention to how different characters react and choose when facing the same predicament, and reflect on the motives and human logic behind their choices
  3. While reading, try setting aside fixed expectations of 'heroes' and appreciate the strength that ordinary individuals may unleash in desperate straits

About the publisher

Qunyan Publishing House China · Founded in 1989

Founded in 1989, Qunyan Publishing House has long been committed to publishing academic and educational books for mid- and high-level readers, and has built up a certain presence in Eastern philosophy, classical literature, and classic works. Representative titles available in the database include Records of the Grand Historian, Dream of the Red Chamber, Selections of Refined Literature, Complete Song Ci, Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio, Record of Daily Knowledge, Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang, and The Collected Works of Wang Yangming, covering common categories such as ancient poetry, medicine, and examinations. Its author resources include Sima Qian, Cao Xueqin, Xiao Tong, Li Shan, Pu Songling, and Gu Yanwu. The press also offers distinctive series such as the Biographical Series of the China Democratic League and the Historical Documents Series of the China Democratic League, and publishes research on historical documents, biographies, memoirs, and textbooks and academic works by League members. Public information is limited, and its overall publishing scale and complete catalogue require further verification.

Contents

  1. 版权信息
  2. 序言:突出重围
  3. 自序:从《集结号》到《突围》
  4. 第一章
  5. 1
  6. 2
  7. 3
  8. 第二章
  9. 1
  10. 2
  11. 3
  12. 4
  13. 5
  14. 第三章
  15. 1
  16. 2
  17. 3
  18. 第四章
  19. 1
  20. 2
  21. 3
  22. 4
  23. 第五章
  24. 1
  25. 2
  26. 3
  27. 第六章
  28. 1
  29. 2
  30. 3
  31. 4
  32. 第七章
  33. 1
  34. 2
  35. 3
  36. 第八章
  37. 1
  38. 2
  39. 3
  40. 4
  41. 第九章
  42. 1
  43. 2
  44. 3
  45. 第十章
  46. 1
  47. 2
  48. 3

FAQ

Is this book literary nonfiction or a fictional novel?
Breakout is a fictional novel based on a historical background. Through artistic crafting, the author creates typical characters in typical circumstances to reflect the real living conditions and spiritual outlook of soldiers and civilians behind enemy lines during the War of Resistance Against Japan.
Is the novel's theme solely about war?
War is the background and driving force of the story, but the novel's core themes are the test of human nature in desperate straits, individual struggle for survival, and spiritual 'breakout.' It explores choices, dignity, and hope under extreme pressure.
What is the writing style of this book?
Yang Jinyuan's style leans toward realism—steady, plain, and full of power. The narration is calm and restrained, with attention to detail and psychological portrayal. He excels at revealing character and inner turbulence through specific situations and actions, with emotional expression understated yet profound.

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About the author

杨金远 Author

Yang Jinyuan is a Chinese book author about whom limited public information is available; details such as native place, dates of birth and death, and educational background have not been clearly recorded. According to library holdings, two works are currently attributed to Yang Jinyuan, both centered on war and military themes. Representative works include Tupo (Breakout) and Tupo (Hundred Red Classics). It can therefore be inferred that his writing focuses on revolutionary history and military struggle, and that he is skilled at interweaving personal fate with the course of history in wartime narratives. The inclusion of Tupo in the Hundred Red Classics series suggests that the work is representative in red-themed reading and revolutionary tradition education, reflecting the author's sustained engagement with this subject. Because introductory materials are scarce, a complete assessment of his oeuvre and literary standing remains difficult; readers may explore his narrative style and thematic concerns through his military-themed works.

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