The Family

The Family, on which this graphic novel is based, is the first novel in a trilogy entitled The Torrent by the renowned Chinese novelist Ba Jin. A masterpiece of contemporary Chinese literature, The Family narrates the story of a landlord-capitalist family in the early 1920s. There are many conflicts of ideas and attitudes in this family. They bear the hallmark of an age when old traditions and oppressive feudal authority are strongly challenged. The Family was aimed at condemning the old feudal family and social system in China. It was hoped that readers would learn to fight for their freedom from a restrictive feudal society. When viewed in today's context, the story serves to remind readers that indeed, we have come a long way in building a society that gives us the freedom to derive happiness. This illustrated adaptation a comprehensive prelude to the original classic. The essence of the original novel is now enhanced by clear well-drawn illustrations, making this book an interesting and easy read for all who enjoy Chinese literary classics.