About the book
Winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award
The place is the chilly border between Russia and China. The time is the early 1970s when the two giants were poised on the brink of war. And the characters in this thrilling collection of stories are Chinese soldiers who must constantly scrutinize the enemy even as they themselves are watched for signs of the fatal disease of bourgeois liberalism.
In Ocean of Words, the Chinese writer Ha Jin explores the predicament of these simple, barely literate men with breathtaking concision and humanity. From amorous telegraphers to a pugnacious militiaman, from an inscrutable Russian prisoner to an effeminate but enthusiastic recruit, Ha Jin's characters possess a depth and liveliness that suggest Isaac Babel's Cossacks and Tim O'Brien's GIs. Ocean of Words is a triumphant volume, poignant, hilarious, and harrowing.
“A compelling collection of stories, powerful in their unity of theme and rich in their diversity of styles.” —New York Times Book Review
“Extraordinary. . . . [These stories are shot through with wit and offer glimpses of human motivation that defy retelling. . . . Read them all.” —Boston Globe
“An exceptional new talent, capable of wringing rich surprises out of austere materials.” —Portland Oregonian
Editions of Ocean of Words
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780375702068
- EBook
- ISBN 9780804153522
Read an Excerpt
Winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award
The place is the chilly border between Russia and China. The time is the early 1970s when the two giants were poised on the brink of war. And the characters in this thrilling collection of stories are Chinese soldiers who must constantly scrutinize the enemy even as they themselves are watched for signs of the fatal disease of bourgeois liberalism.
In Ocean of Words, the Chinese writer Ha Jin explores the predicament of these simple, barely literate men with breathtaking concision and humanity. From amorous telegraphers to a pugnacious militiaman, from an inscrutable Russian prisoner to an effeminate but enthusiastic recruit, Ha Jin's characters possess a depth and liveliness that suggest Isaac Babel's Cossacks and Tim O'Brien's GIs. Ocean of Words is a triumphant volume, poignant, hilarious, and harrowing.
“A compelling collection of stories, powerful in their unity of theme and rich in their diversity of styles.” —New York Times Book Review
“Extraordinary. . . . [These stories are shot through with wit and offer glimpses of human motivation that defy retelling. . . . Read them all.” —Boston Globe
“An exceptional new talent, capable of wringing rich surprises out of austere materials.” —Portland Oregonian
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ocean of Words about?
Winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award
The place is the chilly border between Russia and China. The time is the early 1970s when the two giants were poised on the brink of war. And the characters in this thrilling collection of stories are Chinese soldiers who must constantly scrutinize the enemy even as they themselves are watched for signs of the fatal disease of bourgeois liberalism.
In Ocean of Words, the Chinese writer Ha Jin explores the predicament of these simple, barely literate men with breathtaking concision and humanity. From amorous telegraphers to a pugnacious militiaman, from an inscrutable Russian prisoner to an effeminate but enthusiastic recruit, Ha Jin's characters possess a depth and liveliness that suggest Isaac Babel's Cossacks and Tim O'Brien's GIs. Ocean of Words is a triumphant volume, poignant, hilarious, and harrowing.
“A compelling collection of stories, powerful in their unity of theme and rich in their diversity of styles.” —New York Times Book Review
“Extraordinary. . . . [These stories are shot through with wit and offer glimpses of human motivation that defy retelling. . . . Read them all.” —Boston Globe
“An exceptional new talent, capable of wringing rich surprises out of austere materials.” —Portland Oregonian
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Ocean of Words?
Fiction > Fiction / Literature / Comics / Graphic novels: special features > Short stories
Where can I read a sample of Ocean of Words?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780375702068
Is Ocean of Words part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Vintage International
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Ocean of Words?
Ha Jin
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Ocean of Words is available as paperback(ISBN 9780375702068) and ebook(ISBN 9780804153522)
Where can I buy Ocean of Words online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Ocean of Words from below
Where can I buy Ocean of Words?