Just in time for World Book Day, the renowned literary magazine The Paris Review has published a feature interview with celebrated Chinese author Yu Hua. Since its founding in 1953, The Paris Review has run a landmark interview series spotlighting many of the world’s most important literary voices, including 34 Nobel laureates in Literature.
Yu Hua’s interview appears as The Art of Fiction No. 261, conducted by acclaimed translator Michael Berry. The conversation traces Yu’s early writing journey, his literary views, and explores some of his most influential works, including Cries in the Drizzle, To Live, Brothers, and Wencheng.
Berry noted the interview was conducted over Zoom. When asked why Wencheng took so long to finish, Yu laughed and explained he’d spent much of the past few years traveling. “A lot of friends told me I should focus on writing while I’m still young and strong,” he said. “But I like having fun.” His humor and honesty have won over a younger generation of readers.
Between September 2021 and September 2023, Yu Hua appeared on Weibo’s trending list more than 40 times. Known for his sharp one-liners—like “No one in my whole family even has an appendix,” and “I showed up two hours late on my first day of work and still got there first. That’s when I knew this job was right for me”—his opinions have struck a chord online. His fluffy hair and ever-smiling face have also become viral meme material, most notably the “scruffy puppy.”
When young fans call Yu Hua a “puppy,” it’s more than just a joke about his appearance. It reflects a sense of emotional closeness. Beyond being a brilliant writer, Yu has become a kind, relatable figure who understands and speaks to the struggles of today’s youth.
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