Braised Pork by An Yu

“Braised Pork” is a debut novel written by An Yu and published in 2020. The story is set in contemporary Beijing and follows the life of Jia Jia, a young woman who is struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of her husband, Chen Hang. As she tries to make sense of her loss, Jia Jia becomes obsessed with a painting of a fish with a human face, which Chen Hang had left behind.

Jia Jia’s search for the meaning behind the painting takes her on a journey through Beijing’s art scene and underground culture, where she meets a cast of intriguing characters who help her discover more about herself and her past. Along the way, Jia Jia also grapples with issues of gender, identity, and sexuality, as she explores her own desires and relationships.

The novel is a poetic and introspective meditation on grief, loss, and the search for meaning in life. An Yu’s writing is spare and evocative, with vivid descriptions of Beijing’s urban landscape and sensory details that bring the story to life. The themes of the book are universal and resonate with readers who have experienced loss or struggled with questions of identity and purpose.

Overall, “Braised Pork” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that marks An Yu as a writer to watch. The book has been praised for its originality, beauty, and depth, and was a finalist for the 2021 International Dublin Literary Award.