Wang the Ninth: The Story of a Chinese Boy

Name: Wang the Ninth: The Story of a Chinese Boy
Author: B. L. Putnam Weale

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About This Book

A narrative follows a young Chinese boy given a family epithet indicating his birth order, whose impoverished household collapses under famine and social strain. His mother departs with a travelling blacksmith and his siblings are dispersed, so his father, also a blacksmith, packs their remaining belongings, places the child in a wheelbarrow, and undertakes a long trek toward the city. The account traces their hardships on the road, the father's mixture of shame, pride and determination, and quiet moments of care, while offering broader observations on rural deprivation, customary naming, migration and the endurance of ordinary lives under persistent scarcity.

About the Author

B. L. Putnam Weale

B. L. Putnam Weale was a writer and journalist known for his works that explore Chinese society and politics during a transformative period in the early 20th century. His notable book, "The Fight for the Republic in China," provides a detailed account of the political struggles and social changes occurring in China as it transitioned from imperial rule to a republic. Weale's writings often reflect his deep engagement with Chinese culture and his observations of its complexities, making significant contributions to the understanding of modern Chinese history. Another of his works, "Wang the Ninth: The Story of a Chinese Boy," offers a glimpse into the life of a young Chinese boy, further showcasing his interest in the personal narratives within broader historical contexts.

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