Six Records of a Life Adrift (Hackett Classics)

A Chinese classic, written at the start of the 19th Century when China was still ruled by the Ching Dynasty, and one that I have been remiss in not reading before. I wish that I’d read it earlier, as this is a simple tale of a simple life, told at the end of a journey. Of the six records, only four exist, but they are indeed powerful. Its hard to find a comparison, although in some ways I felt it was like the naturalism of Emile Zola, looking at reality with an objective eye, but not really because it fails to delve into the deep descriptions of the physical condition which typifies the French Naturalist movement. The Introduction (and at least one of my friends) characterized it as ¾ love story, and indeed that is how I would describe it too. But its not a fireworks and passion story, rather it’s a story of contentment and perseverance. The main protagonist and his wife are very comfortable with each other, despite going through many personal and economic travails. The treatment of the concubine which the wife wishes to introduce to the marriage is a good representation of the cultural customs of the time, as well as of the emotional issues. A very good read, and a good example of how to have a successful relationship despite adversity.

Poignant, funny, and heartbreaking, this memoir has depth, clarity and meaning across time, language, and culture. Shen Fu's understanding of and respect for women is often progressive even for today. Embracing and explicating the humanity of us all, Six Records of A Life Adrift, is a work of art by a humble being who was unaware of his own honest brilliance. By simply being true and accurate to his own fully lived live, Shen Fu inspires us all.

Excellent reading. It captures what I feel certain Shen Fu felt as he wrote it. The translator does a skillful job of making you feel a part of that era even though it was originally written hundreds of years ago.

One of my favourite books from premodern China. It's hard to believe it was written two hundred year's ago because in many ways (the structure, themes, etc.) are very modern. Sanders does an excellent job with the translation and provides just the right amount of information in the notes -- enough to explain the literary and historical references, but not so much as to bog down the reader.

This is a short, succinct book which I can only describe as "the seasons of life". The Qing Dynasty author, Shen Fu, writes first-hand about all facets of his life including his happy marriage, financial hardships, family feuds, hobbies, travel, grief, and loss. It is an intimate, joyful, yet bittersweet glimpse into his life and Qing Dynasty culture. The title is very fitting, as I felt a sense of transience in his work. Unfortunately 2 of the 6 records are missing, so we cannot ever know what conclusion Shen Fu came to. Yet this too suits the theme of the book.The translation is pretty good. There is a short introduction as well as brief footnotes. The timeline, maps, family tree, and character guide are also useful. I enjoy the dignified and beautiful cover, which features Solitary Angler on a Wintry River by Zhu Duan.My only issue is that the paper quality is pretty thin. I also would have liked to see more Qing Dynasty illustrations for some of the sights that Shen Fu traveled to, etc.

Una traducción que facilita la lectura de este fascinante escritor de fines del XVIII.

After reading Graham Sanders' translation of the only four existing records of Shen Fu's Six Records of a Life Adrift (Hackett Publishing), I ordered six more copies and have been giving them away when only an extraordinary gift will do. Dr. Sanders' rendering of Shen Fu's heartfelt accounts captures the warmth, beauty and pathos of a man writing about a life that he himself perhaps thought did not measure up to what he had hoped for. From what I read I would say Shen Fu lived a life of passionate love, intimacy with nature, appreciation of revered travel sites and a joy of life that most of us would envy. I recommend it for your own reading and, judging from my friends' reactions, it makes an exceptional gift.

Written by the Harvard graduate and current University of Toronto professor (Graham Sanders), Six records of a life adrift is a wonderful introduction to one of the best works in the Qing period (detailing the life of the scribe/ assistant, the death of his wife, and the demise of the country). Also a necessary book for any scholar beginning to understand Chinese literary modes and conventions.

A travelogue, a memoir, a romance, a tragedy, and a bit of history. A document of someone’s life and a look into a culture that has almost vanished. But more than the culture, there’s the story of the author and his family, especially his wife. Some of the book may initially seem light, but even then the flow and focus of the narrative mark what is important to him. Strikingly the depth of expression when writing of his wife.A record of some of the sights of late Qing dynasty China. It gives an idea of the resources and energy that were put into creating places that would have been considered beautiful and could be enjoyed by those with some money and leisure. A glimpse into some of the social priorities and also the building and design abilities of that period. A world and a way of life that has since almost vanished, only remnants remain and this book is one of them.The descriptions of places in the roaming section, are interesting but not exceptional. It’s their relation to the lives of the characters that makes them worthwhile. Parts of this book were quite beautiful, but other parts I didn’t find that compelling.