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Yet Ocean of Words also makes us aware of the common humanity that we share with Ha Jin's characters. Hunger, fear, sexual embarrassment, curiosity about the outside world are universal emotions, and we find ourselves caring deeply about these men. The title refers to a treasured dictionary in a story that brings together a maladjusted young man and an elderly officer. Ha Jin obviously cares deeply about words; his writing is spare, penetrating, and often funny, as when he describes the embarrassment of the officers at the "politically incorrect" earthiness of an old survivor of the Long March, who by definition must be considered an archetypal revolutionary. In this book, Ha Jin has done for the Chinese army what Zhang Xianliang did so powerfully for the prison camp in works like Grass Soup. -- John Stevenson
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Book Description Condition: Good. 1st ed. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 15074769-6
Book Description Softcover. Condition: Good. First Edition. Product Description Twelve stories describe the experiences of Chinese officers and soldiers stationed along the Chinese-Russian border From Publishers Weekly Set on the Chinese-Russian border in the early 1970s, these short stories by this poet (Between Silences) and veteran of the People's Army, quickly draws the reader into Chinese army life with all its rivalries, propaganda and poignancy. "Dragon Head" follows a fascinating battle of wits between an army commander and a local militia commander ("If this were the Old China, no doubt Dragon Head would become a small warlord") through the twists and turns of betrayal and political intrigue. In "Miss Jee," about a soldier who is the helpless butt of his comrades' jokes, Jin also shows a genuine talent for humor. But the author is at his best when telling the stories of soldiers forced to choose between ideology and love. Whether it is love of a woman or love of knowledge, Jin's characters make hard choices that will move not just readers interested in China or the army life, but any reader vulnerable to good writing and simple human drama. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. About the Author Ha Jin teaches at Emory University. Seller Inventory # SONG0944072585
Book Description Condition: Good. SHIPS FROM USA. Used books have different signs of use and do not include supplemental materials such as CDs, Dvds, Access Codes, charts or any other extra material. All used books might have various degrees of writing, highliting and wear and tear and possibly be an ex-library with the usual stickers and stamps. Dust Jackets are not guaranteed and when still present, they will have various degrees of tear and damage. All images are Stock Photos, not of the actual item. book. Seller Inventory # 12-0944072585-G
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. 1st Edition. First Printing. Winner of the PEN/Hemingway Award. He won the National Book Award for the novel WAITING. There is a crease to the middle of the front cover that has been reinforced with tape. PAPERBACK ORIGINAL. Signed on Full Title Page. Seller Inventory # 016091
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. 1st edition 2nd impression paperback original in near fine condition, with no inscriptions. Spine unfaded and unbroken. Not a book club edition, ex library or a remainder. I am happy to supply scans. Seller Inventory # 008210
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. First Paperback Edition. SIGNED BY AUTHOR. 1st PB EDITION, 1st PB PRINTING. This copy is VG; the text is clear, bright, and unmarked; binding is tight but edges show slight wear. The covers are also VG; intact, including very good color and design, but signs of rubbing. We have a five star rating because of our fulfilment success and because our descriptions are accurate. We guarantee: NO NASTY SURPRISES. Signed By Author + Message. Seller Inventory # 004737
Book Description Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. 1st Edition. Softcover. Black and white pictorial binding with red spine in very good condition, still glossy, with some wear on covers and spine. 205 pages. Copyright page dated 1996. Listed on copyright page as First Edition. Number line is 02 01 00 99 98 97 96 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. Inscribed by author in black ink on title page. Binding good and tight. Pages clean and square. Signed by Author(s). Seller Inventory # Fred7-1554
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR005625125
Book Description paperback. Condition: Used; Very Good. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine. Seller Inventory # CHL9691778
Book Description First edition. Softcover. First printing. A collection of poems about Jin's time in the Chinese army. Jin won the National Book Award for his novel "Waiting." A clean very near fine copy in wrappers. Signed and inscribed by Jin on the half title page in the year of publication. Seller Inventory # 163496