Ep 42 - Chi Zijian and The Last Quarter of the Moon with Bruce Humes

Chi Zijian's "Last Quarter of the Moon" offers a poignant portrayal of the Evenki people, a reindeer-herding ethnic group in Northeast China. The novel follows the life of a woman from her childhood to old age, chronicling the profound changes brought by modernization and the challenges faced by her community. Through vivid descriptions of their nomadic lifestyle, animistic beliefs, and close relationship with nature, the book explores themes of cultural preservation, environmental impact, and the complexities of identity in a rapidly changing world. The narrative highlights the Evenki's resilience and their struggle to maintain their traditions in the face of external pressures. The novel's evocative language and intimate perspective offer a powerful insight into the lives of a marginalized community.

Wolf Totem is a novel that explores the cultural and spiritual contrasts between Han Chinese and Mongolian nomads. It delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the impact of modernization on traditional ways of life. The story is deeply influenced by the author's personal experiences living among nomads in Inner Mongolia.