Usya

Usya is a short story collection written by Chinese author Lao She, published in 1936. The collection consists of several linked short stories that explore the lives of Chinese intellectuals who returned to China after studying abroad.

The stories in Usya follow a group of characters as they navigate the complexities of politics, morality, and social class in the early 20th century. The characters are often portrayed as disillusioned and conflicted, struggling with the disconnect between their idealistic expectations and the harsh realities of life in China.

Through its characters, Usya critiques the privileged class and the educated elite, whom Lao She often depicted as selfish and out of touch with the needs of the common people. At the same time, the collection also expresses empathy for the characters, highlighting the difficulties and vulnerabilities they face in a rapidly changing society.

Usya is notable for its exploration of the tensions between tradition and modernity in Chinese society. Lao She's writing often captures the sense of dislocation and disorientation experienced by China's intellectuals as they navigated the transition from imperial to republican rule.

The collection has been translated into several languages and has influenced generations of Chinese writers. It remains an important work of Chinese literature, offering insights into the social and cultural upheavals of the 20th century.