The Two Mas

Lao SheNanhai Publication Company · ChinaOct 2020

4.3

Word count: 145K words
Chapters: 7

Summary

Mr Ma and Son is the last novel Lao She wrote during his stay in Britain, telling the story of the Ma father and son's life and love in England. Through it the author condemns the national-cultural prejudices of British society, while also expressing indignation at his compatriots' laxity, laziness, apathy and lack of enterprise, giving voice to the young Lao She's fervent patriotism.

Editor's review

Mr Ma and Son is an early full-length novel by Lao She and his only work set in London. Through the experiences of Ma Zeren and Ma Wei, father and son, running a curio shop in London, the novel vividly portrays the embarrassments, misunderstandings and reflections arising from the clash of Chinese and Western cultures. With his characteristic humour and fine observation, Lao She captures with penetrating insight the complex mentality of Chinese people of that era facing the Western world—both self-abasement and apprehension, and self-respect and perseverance. The "two Mas" in the novel are not merely two individuals but symbols of the conflict and blending of two cultural outlooks. Lao She was living in Britain when he wrote the book, and his firsthand experience provided rich material, enabling the work to reach a high standard in both the depth of its cultural critique and the vividness of its realistic portrayal. For today's readers, Mr Ma and Son is not only a literary classic but also a mirror, prompting us to consider how, in a globalized world, to engage in equal and rational dialogue among civilizations while maintaining cultural confidence. Its language is thoroughly Beijing-flavoured yet tinged with an English atmosphere, making it a delightful and thought-provoking read.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in the differences and clashes between Chinese and Western cultures
Literature lovers who enjoy Lao She's works and want to understand his early style
Readers who hope to observe the lives of overseas Chinese during the Republican era through fiction
Readers who appreciate humorous satire and enjoy pondering social issues while laughing

Not a good fit for

Readers seeking strong plot and fast-paced narrative
Readers with no interest in cultural discussion set against a specific historical background

Reading tips

It can be read alongside Lao She's contemporaneous or slightly later works such as The Philosophy of Lao Zhang and Zhao Ziyue to trace the development of his early writing.
While reading, pay attention to Lao She's depiction of his characters' psychology, especially the subtle shifts in their sense of "face" and national self-respect.
The humour in the novel often carries a bitter edge; readers are advised to ponder the cultural critique behind the laughter.

About the publisher

Nanhai Publication Company China · Founded in 1988

Nanhai Publication Company is a comprehensive publisher known for its literature and arts titles, covering fields such as classical poetry, martial arts fiction, and folk literature. Judging from the more than 1,600 books in the database, the company has released classical poetic works including the Nineteen Old Poems and the Nine Songs, as well as multiple volumes of Huanzhulouzhu's series The Swordsmen of Mount Shu, along with related writings by authors such as Guan Hanqing, Qu Yuan, Zuo Si, and Wang Zhihuan. Its publishing character lies in balancing the organization of classic texts with the dissemination of popular literature, placing poetry anthologies alongside long martial arts novels and presenting a relatively diverse literary profile. Public information is limited, and further details about its editorial practices and series planning remain to be supplemented.

版权信息
第一段
第二段
正文一
第三段
第四段
第五段

FAQ

What is the main plot of Mr Ma and Son?

The novel mainly recounts the experiences of old Ma (Ma Zeren) and young Ma (Ma Wei), father and son, running a curio shop in London, unfolding a series of tragicomic episodes caused by cultural differences through their business, their emotional lives and their dealings with their British landlady Mrs Wedderburn and her daughter.

What is the background of Lao She's writing of Mr Ma and Son?

From 1924 to 1929 Lao She taught in Britain at the invitation of the School of Oriental Studies, University of London. Mr Ma and Son was written during this period in Britain (1929) and incorporates the author's observations of British society and his deep reflections on the differences in national character between China and the West.

In what ways does the book's literary value mainly lie?

Its value lies mainly in: first, the pioneering nature of its early cross-cultural writing, which profoundly reveals the complexity of cultural conflict and fusion; second, its continuation and development of Lao She's distinctive humorous and satirical style; and third, its highly successful portrayal of characters, especially the spiritual condition of "old-fashioned Chinese" under the impact of a new era.

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About the author

Lao She Author · China · 1899–1966

Lao She, born Shu Qingchun with the courtesy name Sheyu, lived from 1899 to 1966. A Manchu from Beijing, he is a major modern Chinese writer. His writing long centered on urban life in Beijing and on ordinary people at the lower levels of society. His works are mostly social novels and folk literature, and he also wrote essays and miscellaneous prose. His style is plain yet marked by irony and compassion, and he was skilled at using colloquial Beijing-flavored language to portray characters and their fates. His representative works include Camel Xiangzi, Four Generations Under One Roof, and Teahouse, which have had wide influence. In 1951 he received the title "People's Artist." The library holds 488 of his works, commonly classified under social fiction, classics, folk literature, essays and miscellaneous writings, and exam books, showing that his writing continues to circulate among readers and in teaching.