Notes From a Croft

 The Seventh Day- Yu Hua

January-February 2025

The Seventh Day takes readers on a distinctly Chinese surrealist journey through an afterlife where the boundaries of reality and allegory blur. The novel follows its main character as he wanders through a bizarre, dreamlike realm populated by symbolic figures that echo the complexities of modern Chinese society. The narrative is infused with dark humor and unexpected twists, creating a mood that is as unsettling as it is thought-provoking. While some parts of the story may feel meandering and the characters sometimes lean more towards allegory than fully fleshed-out individuals, the book’s unique blend of fantasy and social commentary stands out. If drawn to works that challenge conventional storytelling with a distinctly Chinese surrealist flair, this novel is a solid pick.

This was my first taste of Chinese contemporary literature and I found the style extremely engaging for that reason. It’s a short read, 218 pages, and the writing isn’t complicated. The ideas are neither and despite its clear influences from Chinese society the themes of class, society and expectations are as applicable in western society as they are here. I enjoyed the surrealist element of the book, dancing between life and death (or rather some type of intermediate of the two). It bounced around a bit and I found it sometimes difficult to keep track of where I was, but I would recommend.