@@BetterThanFoodBookReviews Consider authors from Hong Kong (before it reverted to China) and Taiwan, where there is more decadence (and also freedom) than what one might find in mainland China traditionally, where it is a long tradition for the state to control what can and cannot be printed -- often by precedence and because of the regime change every 250 or 300 years, where those who did not accept the new dynasty wrote subversive books (not decadent, but subversive).
Most Chinese classical books (my opinion) are rather boring *because* they have a moral, and moral purpose, and they are trying to inculcate a doctrine or way of thinking into the people who read. Which is a good idea for controlling people and for having a stable culture and nation, but not that good for art.
I LOVED No Longer Human. I randomly picked it up on a visit to the book store. It looked interesting. I devoured it and was in love. I even double dipped and got the graphic novel version by Junji Ito. So, I will definitely check out this recommendation!
No Longer Human was a hell of a read. It felt like Camus’s The Stranger but semi true story. It was like I was entering into Dazai’s depressed mind like an long open suicide note.
You should try reading a book called The Obscene Bird Of Night by Jose Donoso, or On Heroes and Tombs by Ernesto Sabato. Sabato is heavily influenced by and similar to Jorge Luis Borges.
Gotta be way cheesy here but who cares? Nothing sexier than a well versed man who drinks coffee and reads such a range of literature. I first felt impressed that you would read and review Brazilian classics ( Brazilian here!) but then all your videos are a fresh air of satisfying knowledge shared with the right measure of sarcasm and wit. Your channel is such a find and you...such a man🌷.
PSA there's a collection of Yu Dafu's works including Drowning, titled Sinking in this edition, available to read on Kindle Unlimited. It's called Breeze of a Spring Evening and other stories. Here's a (paraphrased) quote I liked from the story: "It is a pity to read in one breath such an amazing book... If I finish it too quickly, then the flame of my passion will perish. What would I do without desires, without dreams?"
The Kempeitai were almost like the SS. They just had a lower body count and didn’t think to use chemical substances on a wider population. Loved this video.
A new short story by the same author (Yu Dafu) and of the same sort of "decadence" or style, is now available under the title of "A Silver-Grey Death and Drowning" (2 short stories in one).
Can you tell me what edition/translation you read? Not sure if you are into Manga/Graphic Novels but the the Junji Ito version of No Longer Human is splendid. PS- as a completely average looking librarian, I can confirm book chat is always a good opening line. 😂
Yes, true, we get rejected all the time and can cope with that. Why? Because somewhere within ourselves we believe in our worth and that someone else will acknowledge it, welcome us, and accept us. In his case, however, the rejection has a much more devastating impact because it has come from within him, it is not external. Hence, he carries it with him wherever he goes and no matter who he is with, he will feel unworthy. Hope this helps articulate what you were going for, Cliff, around the 8th minute :)
Chinese literature is so hard to get a hold of man 😭. Too much history and literature is landlocked over there. Of the very limited reads I’ve snagged my personal favorite was “Journey to the west”. I’ve only ever been able to read transcripts of it online but if I ever get the chance I’m snatching a copy of that sucker up for sure.
Try "Assisted Living" by Nikanor Teratologen. A swedish cult-classic in the spirit of our revered teacher de Sade. Nordic grampa will give Judge Holden a challenge in deplorable life style and philosophy.
The Classic Novel "the plum in the Golden vase" Is definetly something closer to western literature compares tò other classica novela of the late Imperial times (Ming,qing) due to the huge enphasis on sexuality and the analytical descripción of the merchante classe of the times, that replaced the mandarin and aristocratic classes. Mo Yan Is probably a moder author that you could enjoy a lot , in particular books sutch as red sorghum or the alcohol country
You may be able to find a diff. version of it by the title of "Sinking." (Some are better than others, so be sure to flip through some of the pages first before you buy. You'll know if it's a good or bad translation after a page or two most likely.)
Here's my guess. Chinese culture over the centuries has been influenced by 3 or 4 religions, of which Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism (if one can really call Confucianism a religion), and Christianity (minorly). Buddhism and Christianity were imported, and as such (as with all religions that can be assimilated by a diff. culture) it assumed a Chinese character or flavor. It probably wasn't always clear what influences in Christianity were actually those of Buddhism. Buddhism has a concept of vegetarianism -- particularly in Chinese culture. And chicken eggs would be unacceptable, thus the character's feeling guilty after eating them. As for milk, possibly the same thing. But also, keep in mind that most Chinese people until only recently did not drink cow's milk at all (why this is I'm not sure, but presumably for similar reasons as eggs.)
Well, these things were believed to be aphrodisiac back then, just as chives and oysters are believed to spur sexual desire in China nowdays. We Chinese always believe food has some magical medical properties. That's why the protagonist/author felt guilty after eating them. He felt like a degenerate for his unseemly sexual desire.
I am having a hard time understanding Hölderlins Antigone (David Constantines english translation). Any poetry nerds out here wanna give it a shot? Monstrous, a lot. But nothing more monstrous than man For he, across the night Of the sea, when into the winter the Southerlies blows, he puts out In winged and whirring houses. And the noble earth of the gods in heaven The unspoilable tireless earth, He rubs out, with the striving plough From year to year (...) What do you think is the meaning of the line: he puts out?
Hey, you should read 'Dairy of an Oxygen Thief' by an anonymous author. I'd love to hear your take on it. I don't have the words to describe it, but I know you do.
Is that only me? Or is it everyone, after listening him say "Better than food", feels like he will say that one more time ("Better than food"), during the intro. But there's just silence. Almost like keeping us on a hook.
If a guy like that in the book really was bitching about japan and china , you really do figure he was going to do something about it in some way as an act of rebellion. Im not saying he should have incited a riot or commit mass shooting. Maybe something that will show us he is being proactive about his problems in a more noble and atleast healthy way.
The manga of No Longer Human is an excellent adaption as well. It changes some stuff but stays true to the the feeling of isolation & depression. The anime & video game in the other hand……🤢🤮💩
Sad thing is your hardly hear of these types of bleak books be mentioned as most of booktube are all focused on YA books, which gives the impression thats thats the only genere of book out there as YA has infested nearly every genere of Book. Mind you they would be "offended" by these books and Transgressive books. Seeing how many are cancelling Classic books. I'm sure there is a thriving community out there of these types of books.
I don't take the 'cancelling' of books seriously. If anything it seems like most of these reprints are just an outrage marketing tactic to drum up interest in old books nobody is interested in so the publishers can make a quick buck.
![The Wall Song ร้องข้ามกำแพง | EP.215 | พาเวล นเรศ - พูห์ กฤติน | 17 ต.ค. 67 [1/5]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/IUzrjuf60P4/mqdefault.jpg)
Some modern Chinese writers (novelist actually) you should try: Lu Xun, Elieen Chang, Shen Congwen, Lao She, and Xiao Hong.
Thank you for the recs!
@@BetterThanFoodBookReviews Read Cao Xueqin's The Dream of the Red Chamber.
@@BetterThanFoodBookReviews Consider authors from Hong Kong (before it reverted to China) and Taiwan, where there is more decadence (and also freedom) than what one might find in mainland China traditionally, where it is a long tradition for the state to control what can and cannot be printed -- often by precedence and because of the regime change every 250 or 300 years, where those who did not accept the new dynasty wrote subversive books (not decadent, but subversive).
Most Chinese classical books (my opinion) are rather boring *because* they have a moral, and moral purpose, and they are trying to inculcate a doctrine or way of thinking into the people who read. Which is a good idea for controlling people and for having a stable culture and nation, but not that good for art.
And how can you leave Yu Hua and Mo Yan out of this list? :)
I LOVED No Longer Human. I randomly picked it up on a visit to the book store. It looked interesting. I devoured it and was in love. I even double dipped and got the graphic novel version by Junji Ito. So, I will definitely check out this recommendation!
No Longer Human was a hell of a read. It felt like Camus’s The Stranger but semi true story. It was like I was entering into Dazai’s depressed mind like an long open suicide note.
I read these two books back to back without realizing the similarities!
The stranger and no longer human 2 of my favorites 😎👍
No longer human book is definitely for me, a rough one especially when you read about the author's biography.
You should try reading a book called The Obscene Bird Of Night by Jose Donoso, or On Heroes and Tombs by Ernesto Sabato. Sabato is heavily influenced by and similar to Jorge Luis Borges.
That Donoso is on my shelf, been meaning to read for years. Looks so good. Sabato is also terrific - Will read. Thank you for the recs
Very enjoyable, Cliff. You can make us laugh even when talking about a protagonist who is melancholic, lonely, and insecure.
Gotta be way cheesy here but who cares? Nothing sexier than a well versed man who drinks coffee and reads such a range of literature. I first felt impressed that you would read and review Brazilian classics ( Brazilian here!) but then all your videos are a fresh air of satisfying knowledge shared with the right measure of sarcasm and wit. Your channel is such a find and you...such a man🌷.
Your definition of a poet is great. Never have I been so insulted by something I 100% agree with
I did like No Longer Human, and I will definitely try this one! Thanks Cliff.
PSA there's a collection of Yu Dafu's works including Drowning, titled Sinking in this edition, available to read on Kindle Unlimited. It's called Breeze of a Spring Evening and other stories.
Here's a (paraphrased) quote I liked from the story:
"It is a pity to read in one breath such an amazing book... If I finish it too quickly, then the flame of my passion will perish. What would I do without desires, without dreams?"
The Kempeitai were almost like the SS. They just had a lower body count and didn’t think to use chemical substances on a wider population. Loved this video.
your thumbnails are always the best Cliff. then again, so are your videos.
Hello Mr. Sargent, I've been watching your videos since June last year, please keep doing more of these videos! I really appreciate them.
A new short story by the same author (Yu Dafu) and of the same sort of "decadence" or style, is now available under the title of "A Silver-Grey Death and Drowning" (2 short stories in one).
Which one of you taught Cliff about soyfacing?
lel
Nooooo, not the heckin bookerinos
He looks like he’s about to show of his new Ferrari, then try to sell me an overpriced vpn
He should quit it. It doesn't suit him. It doesn't suit anyone actually.
Nobel winner Mo Yan's Life and Death are Wearing Me Out is a banger.
Today is a sad day: we lost Cormack the author. But he lives forever. Hope you reminisce about it soon.
Since No longer human is one of my favorite books, I guess I”ll have to read Drowning.
Can you tell me what edition/translation you read?
Not sure if you are into Manga/Graphic Novels but the the Junji Ito version of No Longer Human is splendid.
PS- as a completely average looking librarian, I can confirm book chat is always a good opening line. 😂
Great video! It will be on my list for sure.
I would also recommend Eileen Chang. Cheers
Cormac has died!!
I am truly shaken! This is truly a shitty, shitty day.
I added this book on my wishlist. I hope to read it at some point.
Yes, true, we get rejected all the time and can cope with that. Why? Because somewhere within ourselves we believe in our worth and that someone else will acknowledge it, welcome us, and accept us. In his case, however, the rejection has a much more devastating impact because it has come from within him, it is not external. Hence, he carries it with him wherever he goes and no matter who he is with, he will feel unworthy. Hope this helps articulate what you were going for, Cliff, around the 8th minute :)
Chinese literature is so hard to get a hold of man 😭. Too much history and literature is landlocked over there. Of the very limited reads I’ve snagged my personal favorite was “Journey to the west”. I’ve only ever been able to read transcripts of it online but if I ever get the chance I’m snatching a copy of that sucker up for sure.
Try "Assisted Living" by Nikanor Teratologen. A swedish cult-classic in the spirit of our revered teacher de Sade. Nordic grampa will give Judge Holden a challenge in deplorable life style and philosophy.
I've heard good things about Red Sorghum, another Chinese novel
As always I found your reviews brilliant! Greetings from Argentina.
Just watched Barry Lyndon for the first time. Feel like no one has read the actual book it’s based on but you should
The Classic Novel "the plum in the Golden vase" Is definetly something closer to western literature compares tò other classica novela of the late Imperial times (Ming,qing) due to the huge enphasis on sexuality and the analytical descripción of the merchante classe of the times, that replaced the mandarin and aristocratic classes. Mo Yan Is probably a moder author that you could enjoy a lot , in particular books sutch as red sorghum or the alcohol country
The punchline was tacky fun. You wear that well.
I'm struggling to find Drowning in the UK, did I miss the part where you said it was later published with a different name?
You may be able to find a diff. version of it by the title of "Sinking." (Some are better than others, so be sure to flip through some of the pages first before you buy. You'll know if it's a good or bad translation after a page or two most likely.)
Now available in the UK under the recently released "A Silver-Grey Death and Drowning"
Any Chinese tell me what the chicken eggs and cows milk thing means?
Here's my guess. Chinese culture over the centuries has been influenced by 3 or 4 religions, of which Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism (if one can really call Confucianism a religion), and Christianity (minorly). Buddhism and Christianity were imported, and as such (as with all religions that can be assimilated by a diff. culture) it assumed a Chinese character or flavor. It probably wasn't always clear what influences in Christianity were actually those of Buddhism. Buddhism has a concept of vegetarianism -- particularly in Chinese culture. And chicken eggs would be unacceptable, thus the character's feeling guilty after eating them. As for milk, possibly the same thing. But also, keep in mind that most Chinese people until only recently did not drink cow's milk at all (why this is I'm not sure, but presumably for similar reasons as eggs.)
Well, these things were believed to be aphrodisiac back then, just as chives and oysters are believed to spur sexual desire in China nowdays. We Chinese always believe food has some magical medical properties. That's why the protagonist/author felt guilty after eating them. He felt like a degenerate for his unseemly sexual desire.
Came for the stache stayed for the review...
I am having a hard time understanding Hölderlins Antigone (David Constantines english translation). Any poetry nerds out here wanna give it a shot?
Monstrous, a lot. But nothing
more monstrous than man
For he, across the night
Of the sea, when into the winter the
Southerlies blows, he puts out
In winged and whirring houses.
And the noble earth of the gods in heaven
The unspoilable tireless earth,
He rubs out, with the striving plough
From year to year (...)
What do you think is the meaning of the line: he puts out?
Please review Ted Kaczinski's manifesto.
No, screw that guy.
@@jordanloux3883 Uncle Ted's Cabin was based.
Hey, you should read 'Dairy of an Oxygen Thief' by an anonymous author. I'd love to hear your take on it. I don't have the words to describe it, but I know you do.
Is that only me? Or is it everyone, after listening him say "Better than food", feels like he will say that one more time ("Better than food"), during the intro. But there's just silence. Almost like keeping us on a hook.
I just finished Junji Ito's verison of NLH, not sure if I want to read more though
Please review the Rivethead Ben Hamper
could you please review Drowning in Beauty - The Neo-Decadent Anthology or Neo-Decadence Evangelion?
or Neo-Decadence 12 Manifestos
Did I just see you in downtown St. Petersburg FL?
Yeah, say Hi next time man 🤙
Well expressed 👏👌
I am sorry but dazai osamu is a japonese author.
The book is still similar to no longer human, even if author is Chinese.
He already said the author was chinese. Never said he wasn't.
youre awesome!
If a guy like that in the book really was bitching about japan and china , you really do figure he was going to do something about it in some way as an act of rebellion.
Im not saying he should have incited a riot or commit mass shooting. Maybe something that will show us he is being proactive about his problems in a more noble and atleast healthy way.
Well dafu the author, in real life was a anti war hero and acted as a spy for China against Japanese imperial army during WW2
Meme game is strong
I would love if you'd read, and review, my novel.
The manga of No Longer Human is an excellent adaption as well. It changes some stuff but stays true to the the feeling of isolation & depression. The anime & video game in the other hand……🤢🤮💩
how very cheery :p
Acknowledge me. -Roman Reigns
Cliff. Please don't soyface again. Love the review though. 👍
Sad thing is your hardly hear of these types of bleak books be mentioned as most of booktube are all focused on YA books, which gives the impression thats thats the only genere of book out there as YA has infested nearly every genere of Book. Mind you they would be "offended" by these books and Transgressive books. Seeing how many are cancelling Classic books. I'm sure there is a thriving community out there of these types of books.
I don't take the 'cancelling' of books seriously. If anything it seems like most of these reprints are just an outrage marketing tactic to drum up interest in old books nobody is interested in so the publishers can make a quick buck.
Luckily the Chinese had IP Man 😂 during the Japanese attack
Hi 👋
Hidy! 👋
Im not convinced Seneca is a real person. They sound like a character for the show.
Nah just a good friend instagram.com/seneca_careto?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Everything Seneca recommends is a banger. They has a 100% success rate so far. Too accurate to be real haha
bro bro bro... im sure it helps the channel but please don't do the "open mouth surprised face" in the thumbnails haha
RIP Cormac McCarthy.