Hello
Gentle Reader
Yu
Guangzhong (also spelt: Yu Kwang-chung) died at the age of 89 years old on the fourteenth
of December, from complications related to pneumonia. Yu Guangzhong was a
revered and respected writer, publishing seventeen collections of poetry, along
with twelve collections of prose. Yu’s poetry was noted for its deceptive
simplistic style, while engaging readers with empathetic themes, such as: the poignancy
of nostalgia and homesickness, the bitterness of a lost home, and the pains of
exile. These themes gathered great followings with readers in Taiwan—especially
former soldiers and former government workers, who had all fled mainland China
to Taiwan, after the Chinese Civil War and Mao Zedong proved victorious and
instituted communism. Yu Guangzhong then
gave voice to the displaced and disenfranchised people who had lost the civil
war. Yu Guangzhong’s essays often took a
different turn then his poetry; his essays where noted for his humanistic
approach to life, his humour, an always appreciative wit, and his continual
interest in literature and art both Eastern and Western. Hong Kong University, Yu
Guangzhong was internationally acclaimed for his command and knowledge of
traditional Chinese language and literature as well as modern, he was noted for
his efficiency and fluency of the English language, as well as a noted
translator. Beyond the English language, Yu Guangzhong spoke French, German, Italian
and Spanish, and often used this different languages and linguistic traditions
to juxtapose the Chinese language.
It
is sad Gentle Reader, when a great writer dies, it seems only then do we
discover them and then find their work is difficult to find. Yu Guangzhong appears to be a worthy and great
poet, but it is unfortunate that it is only now do we discover him and his
work.
Rest
in Peace, Yu Guangzhong.
Thank-you
For Reading Gentle Reader
Take
Care
And
As Always
Stay
Well Read
M.
Mary
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