Red Sorghum, written by Mo Yan, tells the story of the Chinese battling Japanese intruders as well as each other during the 1930s. Furthermore, it details the tragedy of the Chinese defending and preserving their culture through a series of flashbacks spanning three generations. This novel was originally published during 1987 and was published again during 1994 by Penguin Books.
Some readers feel Yan's writing emphasizes too much mythological thinking and violence, among other concerns. On the other hand, his writing has inspired other readers to become more interested in learning about China's development over the past centuries.
Yan's literary talent has earned him the 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature as well as major literary awards in his home country China. Red Sorghum even inspired the development of an Oscar-nominated film directed by Zhang Yimou. Yan's real name is Guan Moye, but he often goes by his pen name.
