Lost

Douban

NeoDB

"You look at your neighbors, all the same, clean, independent, and bright. Your history has been shattered, now scattered in a new history, displayed in a new history, for the little humans in this new history to discuss. You are on display like this. You can't see your old friends, the people who challenged you twice are not in this room... You can't just push aside your contemporaries and walk over to each other to talk again. If you are questioned again, will everything be in vain? How will you answer?"

★ This is the latest collection of Shen Dacheng's work, following his beloved "Asteroid Falls in the Afternoon." With its whimsical conception and unique imagination, it tells the story of fifteen "astronauts" who have lost their way.

This book is the latest collection of works by author Shen Dacheng. Over the past few years, her work has resonated with many working professionals, who have discovered that these seemingly absurd stories often have parallels in reality. The story "Miss Boxman," included in her previous work, "Asteroid Falls in the Afternoon," even unexpectedly predicts a world where social distancing and vaccinations become the norm.

The new work "Lost Man" focuses on the stories of fifteen "aliens" who have lost their navigation, once again presenting the unusual daily life of our time: a person who dozed off in the Starry Sky Theater and woke up to have insight into the mysteries of the universe, a small town department store that has long been abandoned but has always coexisted with the residents, the world's last mobile tribe of miniature giants, a former employee who has been hiding in the garden of an office building for several years, a pedestrian bridge that is not satisfied with being fixed in one place, and a warehouse attendant who is responsible for guarding Star Wars war preparedness supplies... These stories are not science fiction, alien, fantasy, or magical, but all focus on various existences in the universe.

"We walk around without knowing what we are doing, but of course we have some idea of ​​what we are doing. It is not right to say that we do not have any identity. At least we are lost people. Being a lost person is like a job, and we have to do it seriously." The young clerk and writer Shen Dacheng thought in an orderly manner and wove carefully, and once again completed an extraordinary journey of imagination.

★ Twice shortlisted for the Youth Literature Award. Recommended by writers Su Tong and Tang Nuo, "I am a reader of Shen Dacheng."

Shen Dacheng has been shortlisted for the Blancpain Idealist Prize twice for her two collections of short stories, "The One I Remember Often" and "Asteroid Falls in the Afternoon," earning recognition from numerous judges. Her work stands out among her contemporaries, capturing a distinctive and unique style. With her own unique whimsical vision, she depicts the realities of contemporary life and psychological dilemmas, caring deeply about the people and objects in this world, the only one we truly possess.

Writer Su Tong believes that "Lost Man" possesses "a relaxed, expansive, and boundless imagination." Writer and critic Tang Nuo handwrote a recommendation for the book, hundreds of words in length: "...Shen Dacheng's imaginative writing is unpredictable, always telling magical stories with calm words, as Borges said. Miracles occur, but the people are real and substantial. Almost all the essential details of human life are preserved. Therefore, her writing constantly creates metaphors, giving us a feeling of constantly looking back. This real world may not be worthy of such attention, but ultimately, it is the only one we truly possess." "I am a reader of Shen Dacheng."

【Expert Recommendation】

This time, Shen Dacheng's extraordinary imagination seemed to have taken several steps forward; perhaps, she seemed more at ease. She thought quietly and methodically, weaving carefully and meticulously, less afraid than before to venture into those futile fantasies that held no answers. Weaving these fantasies together, one extraordinary journey after another—yes, imagination should be a path, a way out, not just a burst of fireworks.

...Her writing is unpredictable, always telling magical stories with calm words, as Borges said. Miracles may occur, but people are real and substantial, retaining almost all the essential details of human life. Therefore, they constantly create metaphors, giving us a feeling of constant reflection. This real world may not be worthy of such care, but ultimately, it is the only thing we truly have.

——Tang Nuo

Shen Dacheng's writing possesses a well-honed sense of drama, character, and stage presence. Every conflict and literary contradiction woven into her novels feels like stage and dramatic conflict. Some seemingly absurd narratives are remarkably symmetrical in reality. Her style is distinctive and unique among her contemporaries, and her handling of both real and transcendental stories often surprises. Her imagination is unfettered, expansive, and boundless.

——Su Tong

2021-08-01

台海出版社

Ideal Country

284

9787516830475