The Tale of the Ancient City

This book is a memoir by the writer Wang Pu, titled "Stories of an Old City." It recounts the journey of the "educated youth" generation during the Cultural Revolution, their migrations, growth, studies, and struggles to make a living. Throughout the narrative are vivid flavors of authentic local foods, an unwavering belief in books, literature, and creation, and a colorful array of character memories.

Childhood in Changsha: Under the shadow of the Cultural Revolution's purges and house raids, Wang Pu, with her innocent gaze, perceived subtle human interactions, old-fashioned snacks, and the suppressed, yet pure and ambiguous, artistic expressions. Many places mentioned in the book no longer exist in Changsha today, preserved only in Wang Pu's literary prose.

Youth in Shanghai: In the 1980s, Wang Pu was pursuing her graduate studies in Shanghai. The collective memories of fashion, food, and entertainment trends in Shanghai at that time, along with scenes of intellectual youth life, quirky characters, and unusual happenings on university campuses – that era of hope and openness – were all part of her personal experience.

Striving in Hong Kong: In middle age, Wang Pu moved to Hong Kong for a career change and to make a living. As an intellectual among new immigrants, she shared discounted bread with grassroots individuals, learned the skills and demeanor of old-school media professionals at a newspaper, and, like many local Hongkongers, set buying a home as a life goal.

Having lived through an era of hunger, she honed her excellent cooking skills; to dedicate herself to writing, she resolutely resigned from her university teaching position. This is Wang Pu.