Section Three
Xue Mo’s writings, which vividly depict the natural landscapes and human stories along the Silk Road in China’s western region, might initially seem distant and mysterious to European readers. However, it is precisely this sense of unfamiliarity that ignites their curiosity and motivates them to explore.
I believes that Xue Mot has compassion, and she can read his great love in The Wild Fox Ridge, which is hard to find in the works of other writers. Then, she hopes that excellent translators can “recognize them” and translate Xue Mo’s works into better German versions, so that more German readers can know with them. At the same time, in the face of such a huge number of Xue Mo works, she sighed, in addition to admiration, I “have nothing to say”. Martina Hasse remarked (Germany)
Martina Hasse remarked (Germany)
Reviewed by Dr. Hans-wilm Schutte(Born in 1948, he is a distinguished German sinologist and best-selling author
Reading foreign literature is not just for entertainment or thrill-seeking; it is a means to broaden one’s horizons and gain insight into the worldview and values of the “other.” Citing Xue Mo’s novel Desert Hunters as an example, Schütte described how the story portrays the lives of desert dwellers, herders, poachers, and anti-poachers in northwest China. This narrative not only reflects the reality of western China but also sheds light on global issues such as climate change, ecological imbalance, and humanity’s complex relationship with nature.I hope that good literary works can let us understand the lost history, people, life, so Xue Mo’s works do this.
The “uniqueness” of Xue Mo’s work shown as below: First, it is easy to read, especially the suspense part is fascinating. Secondly, the work integrates the history and the present, life and religion, love and wisdom together, making the work have a certain transcendence and irreplaceable nature. In his opinion, Xue Mo’s works cover a wide range of areas, not only literary works but also cultural works, including the essence of culture such as Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. Reviewed by Dr. Hans-wilm Schutte(Born in 1948, he is a distinguished German sinologist and best-selling author. )
“How do we read foreign literature? Should we approach it as a window into a foreign culture, or as a mirror reflecting universal human experiences and challenges?” She highlighted the dual paths literature offers—on one hand, it allows readers to experience the unique aspects of a foreign culture, and on the other, it reveals universal truths that resonate across cultural boundaries.
Xue Mo’s novel Desert Hunters, noting that while the story is rooted in the specific context of China’s Gobi Desert, its themes and lessons resonate with readers worldwide. “The issue of desertification faced by the herders in Desert Hunters,” she explained, “is not merely a local problem in western China but a reflection of the global crisis of climate change and social responsibility.” Through these local stories, Xue Mo raises awareness of pressing environmental issues that transcend borders. Reviewed by Dr. Lena Henningsen(Germany).
Reviewed by Dr. Lena Henningsen(Germany)
Reviewed by Paolo Marcenaro ( Italy)
“Xue Mo has a gift,” Marcenaro noted, “for expressing complex ideas in a clear, straightforward way.” He believes this simplicity not only enhances the literary quality of Xue Mo’s work but also makes it easier to translate while maintaining the original essence. Marcenaro expressed optimism about the future reach of Xue Mo’s works on the international stage, especially in drawing in younger readers.
“Xue Mo’s works have fulfilled my dream of longing for China since childhood. Please tell Mr.Xue Mo that he is not only a great writer, but also a great artist like Leonardo Da Vinci. Reviewed by Paolo Marcenaro ( Italy).