To Live by Yu Hua follows the struggles of Fugui and his family through four decades of modern Chinese history. Told through an unnamed narrator, who meets Fugui while collecting folk songs, the story reveals Fugui's fall from wealth due to gambling, his conscription into the National Army, and the subsequent hardships he and his family face. Despite enduring severe losses and hardships, Fugui's resilience reflects China's perseverance through societal upheavals. The story includes sensitive topics such as illness, death, and poverty.

Yu Hua's To Live is widely praised for its compelling portrayal of resilience amid hardship, capturing the raw essence of human suffering and perseverance. Critics commend its vivid character development and gripping narrative. However, some argue that the relentless bleakness can be overwhelming. Overall, it is lauded for its emotional depth and historical insight.

A reader who would enjoy To Live by Yu Hua appreciates profound, emotive stories of human resilience amid socio-political upheavals. Fans of Wild Swans by Jung Chang or The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck would find similar themes of personal endurance and historical transformation. This audience values historical fiction interwoven with deep emotional and cultural insights.

Melancholic / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Emotional / Inspirational

- To Live by Yu Hua is celebrated for its profound exploration of personal resilience and human suffering, making it a cornerstone of contemporary Chinese literature.
- The author, Yu Hua, originally trained as a dentist before pursuing a full-time writing career, which gives his literary work a unique perspective on life and humanity.
- To Live was adapted into a critically acclaimed film by director Zhang Yimou in 1994, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

**Fugui**  
The protagonist, who transitions from a spoiled heir to a devoted family man after losing his wealth and status, illustrating themes of personal growth and perseverance.

**Jiazhen**  
Fugui's wife, who remains loyal and hardworking through their shared hardships, providing emotional support and stability for her family.

**Fengxia**  
Fugui and Jiazhen's daughter, known for her beauty and hard-working nature, lives life assisting her family despite her disabilities.

**Youqing**  
Fugui’s son, characterized by his energetic nature and loyalty to his family, balances school with helping on the family farm.

**Chunsheng**  
Fugui's war-time comrade, who rises to prominence during the political upheavals in China, reflecting on themes of change and loyalty.

**The Narrator**  
The person through whom Fugui’s story is shared, providing a reflective view on the events and changes in Fugui’s life.

**Long Er**  
The man to whom Fugui loses his family wealth, becoming the landlord of Fugui’s former land and showing kindness by allowing Fugui to rent part of that land.

Yu Hua

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore To Live reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read To Live | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore To Live and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

To Live Summary and Study Guide

Background

To Live Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Sections 1-3

To Live Sections 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Sections 4-5

To Live Sections 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Sections 6-7

To Live Sections 6-7 Summary & Analysis

Sections 8-9

To Live Sections 8-9 Summary & Analysis

Sections 10-11

To Live Sections 10-11 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

To Live Character Analysis

theme

Themes

To Live Themes

Symbols & Motifs

To Live Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

To Live Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

To Live Essay Topics

Introduction

To Live Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

To Live Before Reading

During Reading

To Live During Reading

After Reading

To Live After Reading

To Live

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read To Live?

Reading Age

Book Details