Chinese Journal of Literary Criticism

No.1, 2025

Fantasy Narrative, Fictional Vistas, and Life “Back to the Heart”: A Study of Li Xiuwen’s Latest Novels Tiger Tiger and Others

(Abstract)

Chen Peihao

Li Xiuwen’s latest novels, such as Tiger Tiger (Menghu Xiashan) and A Letter to the North in Night Rain (Yeyu Ji Bei), blend fantastical elements with contemporary themes. These works not only continue and develop the tradition of magic realism but also explore the potential of crafting contemporary Chinese narratives through the classical zhiguai (records of anomalies) tradition. This approach enables Li Xiuwen to delve into contemporary societal issues while advancing the art of the modern novel. His writing is characterized by a deliberate departure from conventional imagination, balanced by a disciplined restraint in the exercise of fictional power. Examining his personal writing journey, his latest novels represent a breakthrough following a period of stagnation, achieved through profound reflection, reconstruction, and a “returning to the heart” of his self, life experiences, and literary form. This introspection has imbued his writing with a deeper connection to the living world—the flesh and blood of humanity and the landscapes of mountains, rivers, and earth.