Book Review: The Winding Dirt Road by Jiu Da

The Winding Dirt Road
By Jiu Da

Publication Date: 27th May 2025

Publisher: Historium Press

Page Length: 268

Genre: Historical Fiction /  Short Stories

Hoarded in the depth of memories of the past decades, this has been a work long overdue.

Written as an antithesis to all first-hand and second-hand propaganda written by both Chinese and foreign writers for China in the good part of 20th century in a fictional form, this collection, through different times and lands, gives insights into how human docile nature and characteristics are manipulated and brought about cultural and social corrosion over the century. The outcome thus sees "a monumental loss breathtakingly massive than any period that preceded it." Subsequently, it foreshadows a system that "would bring out not the best but the worst in people, against people, any people." (Event Horizon)

The first story is written as an introduction in addition to the prologue. From there, the collection proceeds with interrelated subjects or topics, building up causes and factors. At every turn, it gathers momentum and convenes halfway through the book to form the major components of critical perspectives at a juncture.

“The Winding Dirt Road” by Jiu Da is a collection of short stories that examine the complexities of the Chinese regime throughout the 20th century, with an occasional nod to centuries past. Each tale serves as a glimpse into a broader narrative, skilfully crafted to intrigue the reader. With just enough detail to awaken curiosity, these tales leave many questions lingering in the air, and some stories may feel like fragments, inviting readers to muse on their unfinished threads. The collection paints a vivid portrait of the challenges and complexities of life under this regime, making each story a compelling invitation to delve deeper into a rich and layered history.

This anthology presents a captivating collection of twelve short stories, including an engaging prologue. As readers open the book, they encounter a variety of narratives ranging from brief tales to more expansive ones. Among them, the longest story, “The Winding Dirt Road,” intricately intertwines two seemingly unrelated narratives. The first narrative focuses on Nin Yige, who is engaged in a secretive meeting with Xiao Yong. Their tense conversation hints at a clandestine arrangement involving their child, suggesting underlying complexities and potential moral ambiguity. In contrast, the second narrative introduces Taafeef, a humble farmer whose life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers an abandoned Asian baby wrapped in a blanket and left in a container along the banks of the Nile. This serendipitous finding leads to the child’s adoption, and he is named Dongfang. As Dongfang grows, his journey becomes increasingly tumultuous, marked by behavioural challenges that affect both him and his adoptive family. Dongfang struggles with the uncertainties of his heritage, his fear of abandonment, and his learning challenges. His father employs tutors to help him, but Gusha, his language tutor, has more on his mind than teaching Chinese. Gusha’s influence over Dongfang creates a palpable feeling of uncertainty, prompting readers to ponder the true nature of Gusha’s teachings and the potential consequences that may await Dongfang, which begs the question: Is Gusha trying to radicalise Dongfang? However, the execution of this story can feel uneven; certain passages skilfully build suspense, while others rely too heavily on exposition. In some instances, the narrative tells rather than shows, which limits emotional engagement. By illustrating the characters’ emotions and motivations through vivid actions and sensory details, the narrative could provide readers with a more immersive and interesting experience.

Another noteworthy story is “Event Horizon,” a gripping tale which underlines the fact that to understand the present, you must first understand the past. Siku and Waiwai are brought to life with remarkable richness and nuance. Siku is portrayed as a wise and nurturing figure, guided by a profound sense of duty to shield others from further harm. He embodies a blend of compassion and strength, always considering the larger impact of his actions. Conversely, Waiwai initially appears as a vibrant and somewhat naïve character, bubbling with enthusiasm and wonder. However, as he grapples with the challenging truths unveiled by Siku, his character undergoes a remarkable transformation. This evolution reveals layers of depth and complexity, showcasing his struggle to reconcile his idealism with the harsh realities of the world around him. The emotional complexities of both characters are masterfully conveyed through their dialogues and actions, drawing readers into their journey and making their experiences resonate on a profoundly personal level.

The author masterfully employs a formal tone, weaving together a diverse array of vocabulary and detailed descriptions that draw readers into the intricacies of the narrative. This approach undeniably enhances the story’s atmospheric depth, yet it can occasionally feel dense and overwhelming. The complex sentence structures mirror the intellectual disposition of the characters and the weighty conversations they engage in, offering insights that challenge the reader’s understanding. The author’s skilful use of descriptive language is commendable—the vivid imagery paints emotional landscapes that resonate deeply. On the flip side, the frequent use of intricate sentence constructions can interrupt the narrative’s flow, making it somewhat arduous to navigate. The author uses many idioms in his stories, some of which are very Western in their origin. At times, the prose takes on the characteristics of a reflective essay, where the author’s contemplations on the oppressive quality of the Chinese regime throughout the 20th century take centre stage. While these reflections are thought-provoking, they can distract from the main narrative, veering into territories that may feel repetitive for readers, especially as these themes have been explored in the short stories just read. Furthermore, the author often digresses, leading the reader away from the primary story, which can disrupt the overall engagement with the text.

“The Winding Dirt Road” by Jiu Da offers an exploration of the complexities of China’s history, particularly the influence of propaganda and its impact on the nation. 

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

Pick up your copy of

The Winding Dirt Road

HERE!

Jiu Da

For years, Jiu Da has been intrigued by the question of whether the environment makes us who we are or whether we are the ones that shape our environment. For the good parts of early years, he stubbornly believed that motivation, talent, and effort could change the outcomes. It did not. It was not until the virus hit while finding himself perching at home that he came to accept that the environment is indeed the hand that shapes human behavior. It was during this time that he started spinning his first work. Yet, his work would only have formed with his interest in literature and history and endless bits and pieces of seemingly useless information hoarded in the depth of his mind in the past decades.

Jiu Da lives and writes in Alberta, where you don't fancy seeing polar bears wandering around town, but you do know a lot of cats and squirrels wreaking havoc.

Connect with Jiu Da:

Publisher