I am Liu Yuejin

“This is a story about how a sheep eats wolves,” or how the weak and downtrodden win unexpectedly, according to the book’s cover. It tells how Liu Yuejin, a chef who works in Beijing to support his son, loses his hard earned money to thieves and how, in the process of retrieving his money, he has to deal with all kinds of dangerous people: real estate tycoons, corrupt officials, mafia-style cut-throats, prostitutes, private eyes, and cunning subcontractors.

"Sheep and wolves are metaphors I use to express a new angle from which we look at today's world," said author Liu Zhenyun, 49, famed for his insights and dark humour. His books are often described as neoclassic or comedies full of tragic flavour. In I am Liu Yuejin, readers will encounter various modes of living in China, from the upscale villas of the super rich to the poor work sheds of downtrodden, grieving farmers. Some of the characters even borrow names, from grass-roots super girls such as Li Yuchun to American pop star Madonna or the famous Tang Dynasty concubine Yang Yuhuan; all are used as reflections of trends of present day China.

Liu Zhenyun is well known for his novel Chicken Feathers Everywhere (《一地鸡毛》), a story about how a passionate young man finally escapes his dull and trivial life. Another work was The Cell Phone (《手机》), a story about lies and betrayal. "Life looks smooth and perfect, but when looking from underneath, one may find holes, cracks and misfit joints,” said Liu.

I am Liu Yuejin, Liu’s fourth full-length work, has been adapted into a movie of the same title. “It touches close to ordinary people's lives,” said the movie’s director. “It aims to win the audience with its down-to-earth style, in contrast to some big budget productions.”

I am Liu Yuejin（《我叫刘跃进》）

By Liu Zhenyun（刘震云）

Changjiang Literature and Arts Publishing Group (长江文艺出版社) November 2007, 25 yuan