In his late years, he concentrated on editing the "Complete Works of Ba Jin" (published in 1994).

Ba Jin is one of the few writers in China who live not on government pay but on royalties from their works. On his 80th birthday, he said: "I've lived on royalties all my life. It is the readers who have supported me."

Although coming from a feudal family, Ba Jin is especially enlightened with his two children. Both married partners of their own choice. His daughter is now a leading member of the editorial department of a big Chinese literary magazine while his son is a rising novelist.

After his wife Xiao Shan died in 1973, Ba Jin did not remarry. He is still passionately devoted to his deceased wife. He said: "When I lose my ability to work, I hope there will be several copies of fictions translated by Xiao Shan on my sickbed. After I close my eyes, please let my ashes be mixed with hers."

BA Jin celebrated his 99th birthday on November 25, 2002, or rather, the literati of Shanghai and all over China, celebrated the approaching centenary of the writer, according to Chinese custom.

Ba has stayed in Huadong Hospital for years, with his ability to walk and speak lost to Parkinson's disease. But the writer's position as probably the most important figure in 20th century Chinese literature makes his survival a matter of great importance.

Source: newsgd.com

上一页  [1] [2]