The Seventh Day

The Seventh Day follows Yang Fei during the week after his death as he navigates the otherworld and encounters fellow departed souls. Set in contemporary China, the narrative moves between Yang's experiences in the afterlife and memories from his time among the living. The story unfolds in a realm where the recently deceased wander while waiting for their cremations. Through Yang's encounters, readers learn about the circumstances that brought various characters to this in-between space and their unfinished business with the world of the living. This absurdist fiction novel draws inspiration from real events reported in Chinese media, including incidents involving hospital malpractice, forced relocations, and organ trafficking. The English translation by Allan Hepburn Barr maintains the stark contrasts between mundane reality and supernatural elements. Through its parallel depiction of life and death, The Seventh Day presents a critique of modern Chinese society and explores universal questions about human dignity, social inequality, and the bonds that persist beyond mortality.

Readers describe the book as a surreal exploration of modern Chinese society through a dead man's perspective. Many note its unflinching look at social issues like corruption and inequality. Readers appreciated: - Dark humor that makes heavy themes digestible - Memorable character encounters - Cultural insights about contemporary China - The unique narrative structure Common criticisms: - Meandering plot that loses focus - Repetitive scenes and conversations - Translation issues that affect flow - Difficulty connecting with the protagonist Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (80+ ratings) From reviews: "The metaphors are heavy-handed but the social commentary rings true" - Goodreads reviewer "Beautiful writing but needed more narrative direction" - Amazon reviewer "Gets lost in its own symbolism by the end" - LibraryThing review

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🔸 Yu Hua wrote his first drafts by hand on rice paper, maintaining this traditional practice even after computers became commonplace, as he believes it helps him connect more deeply with Chinese literary tradition. 🔸 The "seventh day" referenced in the title alludes to Chinese funeral customs, where the soul is believed to return home seven days after death to bid a final farewell to loved ones. 🔸 The author survived China's Cultural Revolution as a child and worked as a dentist for five years before becoming a writer - experiences that often influence his perspective on life, death, and social issues. 🔸 The novel's structure mirrors the Buddhist concept of "bardo" - a transitional state between death and rebirth - while incorporating elements of contemporary social commentary. 🔸 The book gained particular resonance in China due to its exploration of "death tourism," a phenomenon where some Chinese citizens travel abroad for medical treatment due to distrust in the domestic healthcare system.