Seeking the light

The Chronicle of Zhalie, By: Yan Lianke; Publisher: Shanghai Arts & Literature Publishing House; Year published: 2014; Price: 39.9 yuan ($6.65); Pages: 377

"In a writer's eyes, the worsening reality be it in daily problems involving food and drinks, shelter and traffic, or the newly emerged plight of getting quality medical services, education or old age life makes people anxious and restless, fearful and excited," the website quoted Yan as telling his audience at the ceremony.

But he also emphasized his determination to seek out the light.

"The most powerful and frightening darkness comes from people's accommodation and surrender to the darkness, forgetting the light, hence the greatness of literature demonstrates, because only literature can find the weakest and tiniest light, beauty, warmness and honest love in the dark," Yan said.

At a news conference related to the award, Yan told media that a good writer could often be controversial.

But he hoped that attention to him was because of his literary achievements and not because he is labeled "controversial", according to Chen Feng, deputy editor-in-chief of Shanghai 99 Readers' Culture Co, a publishing house that helps promote Yan's works overseas.

Chen has known Yan for several years and accompanied him to Prague. Chen told China Daily that his company will publish an autobiography of Yan, telling how the son of a peasant family became a professional writer.

The book, titled Leave From Tianhu Village to Look For Li Bai, will be on the market in late November.

China Daily couldn't reach Yan for comment as he was traveling.