“Zhang Yueran is one of the most exciting new Chinese writers. Her work is original and thought-provoking, and her writing style is of a mature, well-rounded nature. The world needs an engagement with China more than ever at the moment that goes beyond the stereotypes and well-trodden genres, to develop genuine links and understanding.”

FRANCES WEIGHTMAN, Director of The Leeds Centre for New Chinese Writing

“This novel on the ghosts of the Cultural Revolution reveals a talented young Chinese writer in Zhang Yueran.”

Transfuge

“A great and beautiful novel, from one of the promising pens of contemporary China.”

Image, Demain le monde

“With finesse, and mastery of the two-voiced storytelling technique, Zhang Yueran unlocks, pries open, explores the intricate depths of broken couples, of imploded families, and of scarred generations who inherit the abuses of their ancestors.”

Libération

“With mastery of the art of suspense, Zhang Yueran skilfully brings together the pieces of a scattered puzzle.”

Télérama

“This book is a raging fire.”

Le Nouveau Magazine Littéraire

“Without ever falling into pathos, Zhang Yueran paints an incisive portrait of a generation scarred by decisions made in the dark hours of history.”

Le Courrier Suisse

On the Design

The title is in Virtuose by Changki Han from Seoul. The letters grow thicker towards the bottom, narrowing the negative space and making them more like cocoons. They are stacked to form the shape of a water tower and to evoke the traditional orientation of Chinese script. The font of the author’s name is Colonel Serial by SoftMaker from Nürnberg. The image is of marbled paper. The shapes are determined by the chemical reactions of the marbling process, not the artist, much like the individuals in Cocoon are subject to the whims of state power.