Camel Xiangzi

Camel Xiangzi is undoubtedly one of the most moving and successful novels to come from among China's most prolific modern writers, Lao She (1899 - 1966), the author of plays, short shories and novels. He is perhaps best known for his vivid portrayal of characters, as well as his biting and lively use of language. Camel Xiangxi is based on the author's first-hand knowledge of the plight of people like the novel's protagonist, a rickshaw boy. The novel was first published in serial form in the magazine Yuzhoufeng, but the War of Resistance Against Japan delayed its publication as a book. When it finally did appear, however, it was received enthusiastically both at home, and, after having been translated into many languages, abroad. In 1957, Camel Xiangzi was written into a script and is now one of China's best-loved and most widely-performed play.