The Artisans: The Legacy of the Ancestors of Shen Village

Shen Fuyu's The Artisans is a vivid account of working life in a small village in rural China, tracing the last 100 years of history through the stories of fifteen artisans. It evokes the spirits of these workers and reflects on the hardships, friendships, and communal mythmaking of a disappearing community.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Astra Publishing House

In his captivating book, "The Artisans," Shen Fuyu takes readers on a lively and immersive journey into the world of work in a small village in rural China. Drawing inspiration from Studs Terkel, Shen delves into the past 100 years of history, capturing the essence of the village's transformation from an agricultural to an industrial society.

Born in Shen Village in Southeast China, Shen grew up in a family of farmers. Years later, as a writer, he returned to his hometown to document the rich heritage of the village in the face of rapid industrialization. Through his personal memories and the stories of his ancestors, Shen weaves a tapestry of interconnected narratives that bring to life the working lives of fifteen artisans over the course of a century.

While Shen's perspective on his hometown and heritage is tinged with nostalgia, he avoids romanticizing or sugarcoating the harsh realities of life in rural China. Instead, he skillfully captures the small satisfactions and joys of loving one's work, showcasing the resilience and determination of the villagers. Shen's writing style is acerbic, earthy, and unsparing, oscillating between poignancy and comedy within a single paragraph. He vividly evokes the spirits of these workers, including a bamboo weaver and his beloved bull, a carpenter's magical saw, a deserter who became the village lantern-maker, and a rebellious woman who confronts her kidnapper.

"The Artisans" serves as a reflection on the vicissitudes of small-town life during the epic shift from agricultural to industrial civilization. Shen vividly details the hardships, friendships, and communal mythmaking that characterize a disappearing community. Through his storytelling, he sheds light on the challenges faced by the villagers as they navigate the changing tides of society.

"The Artisans" is a testament to Shen Fuyu's talent as a writer and his deep understanding of the human experience. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of rural life, the impact of industrialization, and the enduring spirit of communities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781662600753