WEARY OF MODERNITY - ZOFIA JAKUBÓW

Zofia Jakubów's book "Weary of Modernity" is a fascinating journey through contemporary Chinese literature, showing the changes taking place in Chinese society. The author analyzes the works of Murong Xuecun and Li Shijiang to illustrate the evolution of attitudes towards modernization, consumerism and material values. It is a must-read for anyone interested in China and its dynamic development.

• In-depth analysis of contemporary Chinese literature
• Presentation of changes taking place in Chinese society
• Evolution of attitudes towards modernization and consumerism
• Excellent methodological tools
• Innovative application of Bauman's thoughts to Chinese society
• A picture of China through the eyes of the Chinese
• Feelings and ethical dilemmas of Chinese society

In the neoliberal world of consumption, described in the novels of the 70 hou generation authors, objects replace people and consumption organizes everyday life. Shopping becomes the basic activity, determining the way of acting and thinking in all aspects of life. The protagonists, plagued by uncertainty, are in a constant struggle for survival and for a place in the circle of consumers. It is easy to lose it and fall into a state of uselessness, becoming a human-waste, despised, isolated and marginalized.

The capitalist myth turns out to be false, and social advancement is difficult to achieve. Zofia Jakubów's book is a brilliant erudition, a skillful analysis of contexts, extensive knowledge and an innovative application of Zygmunt Bauman's thoughts to define the Chinese consumer society, reflected in the mirror of literature. It is a read that will surely interest those who are looking not only for a picture of China and the market and social changes taking place there, but above all those who want to get to know Chinese society through the eyes of the Chinese, understand their feelings and ethical dilemmas.

Zofia Jakubów is a graduate of Sinology and an assistant professor at the Department of Sinology at the University of Warsaw. Her scientific interests focus on contemporary Chinese literature, especially on the works of middle-generation writers, their attitudes towards modernity, Western influences, material values and consumerism. She also dealt with Chinese avant-garde prose. The book "Weary of Modernity" is the result of her many years of research and analysis, constituting a valuable source of knowledge about contemporary China.