Aftershock: A Novel

In the summer of 1976, an earthquake in Tangshan, China, separates a mother from her seven-year-old daughter, Xiaodeng. Thirty years later, Xiaodeng is an acclaimed writer living in Canada with her husband and daughter. She returns to Tangshan to find her mother and seek closure, exploring the damage of guilt, the healing pull of family, and the hope of one woman who longs to be saved.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

In the summer of 1976, an earthquake of immense magnitude struck the city of Tangshan, China, leaving a trail of devastation and heartache. Among the countless individuals seeking survival amidst the chaos was a mother who faced a decision that would forever alter the course of her life and the lives of her children. In a split second of unimaginable tragedy, her seven-year-old daughter, Xiaodeng, was torn away from her brother and the loving mother she held dear. All that Xiaodeng retained from that fateful morning was the searing memory of betrayal.

Thirty years later, Xiaodeng had built a successful career as a writer in Canada, surrounded by the love of a caring husband and a daughter. However, the accolades and recognition she had achieved did little to mask the deep wounds that continued to disrupt her life, haunting her relentlessly. Despite her outward appearance of contentment, Xiaodeng knew that the only way to heal the wounds that had plagued her for decades was to return to Tangshan, to find her mother, and seek the closure she desperately craved.

Spanning three decades of the emotional and cultural aftermath of the disaster, Zhang Ling's intimate epic delves into the profound impact of guilt, the unbreakable bond of family, and the unwavering hope of a woman who, despite the passing of time, yearned to be saved. Through the eyes of Xiaodeng, the reader witnesses the devastating consequences of the earthquake, as well as the resilience and strength that emerges from the ashes of tragedy.

As Xiaodeng returns to Tangshan, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, confronting the demons of her past and seeking to understand the motivations behind her mother's decision. Along the way, she encounters individuals who have been affected by the disaster in different ways, each with their own unique story of loss and resilience. Through their interactions, Xiaodeng begins to piece together the fragments of her own history and the complex web of relationships that shaped her life.

As she closes in on her mother, Xiaodeng faces the painful truth of her past and the consequences of her mother's actions. She confronts the guilt that has weighed on her for years, and begins to heal the wounds that have torn her apart. Through her journey, Xiaodeng learns to forgive both herself and her mother, and finds a sense of closure that she had never thought possible.

In the end, Xiaodeng's return to Tangshan is not just about seeking closure for herself, but also about honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the earthquake. She becomes a voice for the survivors, raising awareness about the ongoing impact of disasters and the importance of community support. Through her writing and activism, Xiaodeng inspires others to confront their own demons and find healing in the face of adversity.

Zhang Ling's novel "After the Earthquake" is a powerful exploration of the human spirit's resilience and the power of forgiveness. Through the character of Xiaodeng, the author brings to life the emotional and psychological toll of disaster and the healing potential of reconciliation. The book serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing our loved ones, embracing our past, and working towards a brighter future.

Weight: 334g
Dimension: 148 x 217 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781662510373