Description
Lao She, one of the most prominent and prolific contemporary Chinese writers, was born the son of a guard at the Forbidden City in Peking. Although he was never a river- boat captain on the Yangtse River, he is considered to be the Mark Twain of China. His stories, plays and novels are admired for their vivid portrayals of the sorry plight of the poor, their marvelous humor and their impeccably authentic Peking dialect.
The Two Mas was set in London. Its leading characters include two British women, a mother and her daughter, in addition to three Chinese, Mr. Ma, his son, and a vigorous idealistic young man named Lee Dzerung. The interplay between them leads itself to the creation of amusing episodes. By placing characters out of Peking in a London setting amidst a sea of Londoners, Lao She cleverly and successfully compared and analyzed the differences between the two peoples.
The two translators' profound understanding of the Chinese culture and the customs and traditions of Peking enables readers in the English-speaking world to fully appreciate the special qualities inherent in Lao She's use of language and style of writing. The illustrations by the well-known Chinese painter Ding Cong are superbly done.
Also published as Mr Ma and Son.
ISBN: 9620403606
