A portrait of alienation - and of fulfillment
Ding Jie's Snuggling is a powerful portrayal of certain aspects of Chinese life that are rarely seen in more popularized works of literature.
Westerners will no doubt recognize a cultural dynamic quite different from their own that is bound to arouse the enthusiasm of readers interested in new forms of contemporary Chinese literature. But to emphasize its cultural distinctiveness would be to understate its importance as a literary exploration of the more basic existential dilemmas of the human condition.
On the surface, this is a love story, with humble beginnings typical of the love narratives of other fine literature. Two lonely souls meet by chance, stumble through awkward first impressions and gradually realize a connection they do not share with others.
