Why people recommend it
Diary of a Madman and Other Stories by Lu Xun is a foundational work of modern Chinese literature that uses psychological depth and social critique to examine societal pressures. On The Ezra Klein Show episode titled How The World Sees America, aired on January 30, 2026, Adam Tooze recommended the book as his first reading suggestion to the audience. Tooze introduced the work by identifying it as a Chinese classic, clarifying that while it is not an ancient text, it stands as a modern classic and is arguably the first modern Chinese novella. The speaker highlighted Lu Xun's famous text to listeners as a significant entry point into modern literature from the region. This recommendation was offered at the beginning of a curated series of book suggestions shared by Tooze during his discussion on the podcast. By drawing attention to the novella, the speaker underscored its historical and literary importance in establishing the form and style of modern Chinese fiction. The mention encouraged the audience to explore a canonical text recognized for its sharp critique of traditional culture and its enduring influence on subsequent generations of writers and intellectuals worldwide.
Who recommended it
- Adam Tooze Recommended
Adam Tooze — 1 mention
“Oh, so my first is um is is a Chinese classic. Not not an ancient classic, but a modern classic. arguably the first maybe the first modern Chinese novela Lucian's um diary of a madman...”