Wang Shuo (Chinese: 王朔; pinyin: Wáng Shuò) was born on August 23, 1958. He is a Chinese writer who played an important role in "hooligan literature" (痞子文学) and the New Beijing School of Chinese literature. During the 1980s and 1990s, he became well-known for his writing style, which often included skeptical and disrespectful tones. He frequently used everyday language spoken in Beijing in his works.

Background

Wang was raised in a military area in Beijing. His family was from the Manchu ethnic group. During his teenage years, his parents were sent to the countryside as part of the Cultural Revolution, which left him and his brother living in Beijing with other children whose parents were also away. Wang joined the navy as a healthcare helper, where he worked for four years before deciding to become a writer.

Reception and controversy

Wang is widely regarded as one of China's most well-known and popular authors, despite the many controversies surrounding his work. Literary critics have praised his writing.

Sheryl WuDunn, a writer for The New York Times Book Review, has compared Wang to famous Western authors like Joseph Heller and Kurt Vonnegut. She has even called Wang "China's Kerouac." Dai Qing, a Chinese author, once said that Wang is one of the best writers of his time. She noted that Wang uses humor and language to challenge long-standing ideas, but the government does not fear him because, although he criticizes, he does not create new ideas or support the government directly. Christopher Rea, a historian, has stated that Wang's carefree attitude and focus on "wan'r" (which means playing or having fun) reflect the playful and sometimes sarcastic tone found in early twentieth-century Chinese literature.

Some traditional Chinese critics have criticized Wang, calling him a "spiritual pollutant" because of his unconventional writing style. His work often describes the confused generation that followed the Cultural Revolution, which was marked by rebellious behavior. In the 1990s, Wang was the most famous writer in China. Although his style was considered unconventional, his books were never officially banned. Only one film based on his novels was not allowed to be shown in China until 2004, not because of his political views, but because of his writing style. Wang's books are bestsellers in China and have influenced many readers, from students to workers and intellectuals. He has written over 20 novels, with more than 10 million copies printed. His writing introduced a new style in Chinese literature and inspired many younger authors. His satire does not directly challenge the Communist government but instead mocks its lack of "cool" and shows complete indifference to political or nationalistic rules.

Many of Wang's works have been officially banned in the People's Republic of China. Chinese authorities have labeled his writing as "vulgar" and "reactionary," leading to the censorship of a four-volume collection of his works and the removal of two TV series he wrote.

Wang's writing style focuses on the everyday language spoken by people in the streets. He often uses the Beijing dialect, which makes his stories lively and engaging for readers.