Timeless Themes and Characters

Though the cultural and political landscapes of China have transformed since the creation of this book, Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze continues to serve as a captivating gateway into the time-honored civilization of The Middle Kingdom. In her Newbery Medal acceptance speech in 1933, Lewis remarked that she "chronicled, rather than created" the lives depicted in her narrative. Truly great literature transcends eras, delving into the essence of character and morality in a manner that resonates universally, touching the core of what it means to be human. At the heart of such fiction lie unforgettable, vividly drawn characters, a feat Lewis masterfully accomplishes in Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze.

Adventures and Moral Growth

The novel unfolds with exhilarating action and thrilling adventures, offering the quintessential joys of well-crafted fiction. As Young Fu faces trials like fire, floods, and encounters with bandits, he transforms before our eyes. The narrative is populated with richly developed characters who epitomize the bedrock values of the story. Lewis skillfully refrains from didacticism; instead, she allows us to witness Young Fu’s journey of acquiring these virtues through his experiences and the wisdom of the master craftsman, Tang. Attributes such as bravery, integrity, dignity, honesty, generosity, empathy, and perseverance emerge as vital to those aspiring to move beyond mere apprenticeship into the realm of true mastery.