Tears of Joy Anthology

"Joyful Tears Collection" is Peng Jianbin's retraction of his "regret over early works." The 16 old pieces included in it were all written about 20 years ago, with 13 of them being published for the first time. Thanks to the internet, these works, once destroyed by the author himself, were preserved on the computer of an early reader, which is the direct reason why this book could be published.
In these youthful works, the immature writer departed from emotional neutrality, either weeping profusely or laughing tragically with joy. As early works, they possess a quality more precious than maturity: the sincerity unique to young minds—naively pessimistic, desperately hopeful, exploring and getting lost in the dark inner world while simultaneously illuminating boundless nothingness. Through various interwoven emotions of joy and sorrow, the soul reveals its initial truth to us.
The appendix includes a new work, about this young man who left the countryside returning to his hometown. What is left of his hometown? The author says, "Just like everywhere else, there is a finite 'having' and an infinite 'nothingness' here."
* * *
In this long process of unearthing and revising my early works, I unknowingly invested the greatest writing passion I've ever had, so uncontrollable, so wholeheartedly embracing both setbacks and a sense of accomplishment. What's even more rare is the profound embrace with that lost prodigal son—my adolescent self. No, this is not a story of a prodigal son returning home, but a story of the prodigal son welcoming me home: the prodigal son explores in the dark inner world, and while getting lost, also broadens the boundaries of "home"; and I, of course, after abandoning him, dutifully went to a wider, richer world—the external world.
——Peng Jianbin
He wrote about the shame and glory of post-80s rural youth, our deeply felt pain.
——Reader He Pan
Moved by the pervasive melancholy of the entire book and the indulgence in this melancholy. It's clear yet gloomy, like a crystal in a deep mine. The details and poetic language are almost astonishing. I especially like "Crystal," "Nocturne," "Inevitable Event," and "Rice Paddies and Rooftops," which stick in my throat.
——Reader ALTAZOR

2025-09-18

广西师范大学出版社

Casting Culture

384

9787559887580