I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/8257755

Black Snow by Liu Heng tells the story of Li Huiquan, a man who has just been released from a prison labor camp. Before his imprisonment, Huiquan had been known as “Basher Li” due to his usage of a rolling pin as a weapon to hit his opponents’ heads during a brawl. When he is released he no longer has anything except the run-down house in which he grew up. He struggles to fit in with the expectations of society (communist China). He manages to do come work as a clothes peddler, one of the lowest jobs, and frequents a karaoke bar at night. He has hope that someday he will make something better out of himself. At the karaoke bar, he forms an obsession over a young singer that works there. His life seems to steer off course. Li Huiquan must work hard to survive and not lose himself in the process.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found this book was so interesting, albeit depressing. Huiquan’s character has so many dimensions and the author lets you glimpse what is going on in Huiquan’s mind. One feels pity for him and throughout the entire book, one is a cheerleader for the main character. The story is somewhat disturbing in the idea that he does have an extreme obsession with a young woman, mayhaps 7 years his junior. However, this element of the plot is a crucial part of what defines Huiquan.

Overall, the book was excellently written. There was a lot of suspense and wonderful characterization. The plot just drew me in and then spit me out at the end. Black Snow was a fascinating story that I would recommend. ( )