Coconut wind and banana rain

This collection of the hidden gems of Hong Kong literary master Liu Yichang, collected for the first time, showcases his novels from his time in Singapore and Malaysia. The vibrant city of Singapore, the Malay kampungs, and the turbulent Nanyang landscapes capture the lives of Peranakan women and migrant workers, each showcasing a diverse cast of characters that captures the essence of this exotic land. 🌴 Editor's Recommendation: This systematic collection of novellas, short stories, and micro-fiction written by Liu Yichang, a leading figure in Hong Kong's Nanyang era, marks the first time such works have been systematically compiled. Previously, these works were only available in scattered Hong Kong publications, and the relevant editions have become increasingly difficult to find. This complete and unique collection, now available for the first time, is truly invaluable.
Liu Yichang is widely known as a giant of Hong Kong literature. However, he actually spent time in Southeast Asia in the 1950s, working as a newspaper editor in Singapore and later Kuala Lumpur. These years in Southeast Asia are considered a crucial period in Liu's life—he faced setbacks at his newspaper job, suffered a long illness that left him bedridden, and ultimately met his wife in a foreign land. His works from this period offer a glimpse into Liu's inner journey.
Liu Yichang is widely considered to be Wong Kar-wai's inspiration for screenwriting. His work, featured in works like "In the Mood for Love" and "2046," is highly acclaimed by film and book fans alike. Beyond Liu's classics, the novella "Singapore Story," included in this book, also features elements from Wong Kar-wai's films. "Singapore" tells the story of a foreign journalist's encounter with a singing girl. The characters, plot, setting, and even the dialogue are reminiscent of the film. Even the protagonist, Bai Ling, shares her name, a testament to Wong Kar-wai's profound admiration for Liu Yichang.
Liu's distinctive literary style is evident in his Nanyang works, where plots feel familiar yet constantly resonate with novelty, and stories seemingly ordinary yet resonate with climaxes. These laid the foundation for his later classics such as "The Drunkard" and "The Opposition." At the same time, Liu meticulously depicts the prosperity of Singapore and the local customs of the Malay kampungs over half a century ago. The gentle breeze of coconut trees and the gentle rain of banana trees drenches the pages, allowing readers to savor the nostalgic feelings of Nanyang.
Coconut Wind and Banana Rain: Stories from the Nanyang Region collects novellas, short stories, and micro-fiction written by Liu Yichang during his time in the Nanyang region, marking the first systematic collection of his works. Previously, his works were only scattered across various Hong Kong publications, and the relevant editions are now difficult to find.
"If there was an extra ticket, would you come with me..." (Movie "In the Mood for Love")
Chow Mo-yun wasn't the only one to escape by boat. Liu Yichang himself, in fact, traveled solo from Hong Kong to Southeast Asia in the 1950s, working as a newspaper editor in Singapore and then Kuala Lumpur. Liu projected this personal experience onto Zhang Panming, the protagonist of "Singapore Story," the book's opening chapter. This expatriate journalist, nicknamed "the wanderer" by his colleagues, was captivated by Singapore's local cuisine and even met local singing star Bai Ling (yes, the same name used in the film "2046"). As the coconut rain showered the uninhibited poet and his beautiful lady, a Wong Kar-wai-style romantic tale unfolded...
"Your beauty is a thief that can steal any man's heart."
"But we've only known each other for two days?"
"A thief can steal everything in a bus passenger's pocket in two minutes."
"You are an honest liar!"
——Singapore Story
🌴 The celebrity recommendation has allowed the world to rediscover and know that Hong Kong once had a writer like Liu Yichang, which makes me happiest.
—— Wong Kar-wai Later, I also sold my own writings, which were all playful works. I was deeply influenced by Mr. Liu spiritually. Reading Mr. Liu’s short stories was very similar to O. Henry, and sometimes there were unexpected endings.
—— Chua Lam 🌴 Awards 🏆 In 1994, he was hired as the first writer of the "Writer in Residence Scheme" of the Hong Kong Provisional Urban Council.
🏆 From 2001 to 2015, he was awarded Honorary Professor of Literature and Honorary Doctor of Literature by the Open University of Hong Kong; Honorary Doctor of Literature by Lingnan University of Hong Kong; the inaugural "Literary Writer of the Year" at the Hong Kong Book Fair and Literary Festival; the "Outstanding Artistic Contribution Award" and "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council; the Medal of Honor and Bronze Bauhinia Star from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, etc.

2022-06-01

四川人民出版社

Houlang, Houlang Literature

496

9787220126338