Reviews

Diary of a Madman and Other Stories by Xun Lu, 魯迅, William A. Lyell

sharonb's review against another edition

3.5

My rating is for the diary of a madman. I read 2 of the other stories but don't remember much about them. I may come back to the others again sometime.

When I get more time will return with some thoughts about madman.

breadandmushrooms's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

lisahoeflinger's review against another edition

informative tense slow-paced

2.5

jlewr's review against another edition

5.0

Flawlessly scathing piece criticising Imperial China and its refusal to move on from Confucian thought.

I'd recommend "The Real Story of Ah-Q" (also by Lu Xun) and "Sinking" by Yu Dafu if you want to find more criticism of the Chinese mindset by youths of the early 1900s.

midnightpraise's review against another edition

dark reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes

4.0

sailaranel's review

informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

Interesting to listen to. Definitely think in print will be easier to follow. The analogies are intriguing, and very thought provoking.

ladymacbette's review against another edition

5.0

This is a solid collection of some of Lu Xun's best known short stories including Diary of a Madman and Ah Q: The Real Story. Best read either with guidance or fluent knowledge of the cultural context in which these stories were written, since stories may appear shallow to American readers without it.
I end the review with a stunning endorsement by a professor that hates English translations of Chinese works. She calls this particular collection "The only translation I can remotely stand" so props to the translator!

anciense's review against another edition

3.0

Only read a couple of stories; they’re all very .... weird and interestind and .... weird

eliicapss's review against another edition

dark emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

bibliophage's review against another edition

I loved the first short story (Diary of a Madman), it's excellent. The other stories are good but not quite as gripping as the first.