The Running Flame by Fang Fang (Columbia University Press)

Fang Fang's »The Running Flame« is a powerful exploration of a woman’s struggle against societal constraints in China, set against the backdrop of the transformative 1990s. The novel opens with Yingzhi, a young woman on death row, reflecting on her life choices and the circumstances that led her there. This framing device creates immediate tension as readers are drawn into her desperate need to recount her story.

Yingzhi's journey starts in a rural village, where she dreams of something better. Joining a song-and-dance troupe brings excitement and new experiences but things take a turn when she gets pregnant unexpectedly. Forced into a troubled marriage and an unwanted life, Yingzhi's emotional rollercoaster and growing desperation lead to a violent act, which also serves as a commentary on gender roles in China.

Fang Fang paints a vivid picture of China in the '90s, contrasting the lively buzz of economic change with the harsh reality faced by women like Yingzhi. The mood is heavy with tension and despair, underscoring the weight of outdated tradition. You can feel Yingzhi's loneliness and frustration as she tries to navigate a world that doesn't understand or support her situation.

The writing is both poetic and raw, bringing Yingzhi's inner thoughts and emotions to life with striking clarity. Fang Fang doesn't shy away from tough subjects like violence and inequality, making readers confront uncomfortable truths about gender-based violence in today's society. While the narrative is gripping, it sometimes leans heavily into melodrama, which may detract from its overall impact.

Fang Fang is a prominent voice in modern Chinese literature, known for tackling social issues head-on. Her background in journalism adds authenticity to Yingzhi's experiences and the larger social commentary within the book. »The Running Flame« not only tells an engrossing story but also sparks important discussions about women's rights and societal change in China.

In the end, the novel is a thought-provoking look at the struggles of women caught between tradition and modernity. It invites readers to think about the broader issues raised by Yingzhi's story while giving an intimate glimpse into one woman's fight for independence in a rapidly changing world.

5/5