The Four Books

Set in a reeducation compound during the Great Leap Forward, the narrative follows a group of intellectuals—including a Musician and a Scholar—as they endure harsh conditions and oppressive oversight from a child supervisor. Forced to betray one another for survival, they face escalating demands from the regime that lead to chaos and abandonment. Through sharp political satire and allegory, Yan Lianke explores themes of loyalty, oppression, and the absurdity of totalitarianism, creating a powerful commentary on a dark chapter in history.