14 書香人生 B O O K S & R E V I E W S SUNDAY, APRIL 18, 2010 • TAIPEI TIMES Hardcover: US CDs Taiwan

By David Chen and Andrew C.C. Huang Have no illusions Staff Reporter and Contributing Reporter ‘Courtesans and Opium’ is a salacious story masquerading as a cautionary tale

by BRADLEY WINTERTON Contributing Reporter

his classic novel’s means “romantic illusions,” Publication Notes Tbut the academic publishers of this new translation probably hope to catch the eye of a wider public than mere scholars with their more sensational title. It was written by someone who called himself only The Fool of Yangzhou and is dated 1848. Its first known publication was in Jane (張靚穎) The Hindsight (光景消逝) The DoLittles Fire Ex (滅火器) 1883, though for all anyone knows it Believe in Jane (我相信) From Dripping Tears, He Saw Hopes Earthquakes Standing Here (海上的人) may have been published previously in Universal Music (在眼淚中看見希望) Self-released Uloud Music another, lost edition. Uloud Music It’s about the brothels of Yangzhou, their residents and their patrons. It pre-dates two other remarkable East Asian novels on the same theme, Nagai Kafu’s Rivalry: A Geisha’s Tale [reviewed in Taipei Times March 2, 2008] and The Sing-song Girls of Shanghai by Han Banqing [reviewed in Taipei Times June 22, 2008]. COURTESANS AND OPIUM The semi-anonymous author claims in a brief preface that he’d Translated by Patrick Hanan spent 30 years and all his money on 328 pages the spurious pleasures of “false love hile China’s Super Girl of a pipa (琵琶). The true delight, once a member of Anarchy (無政府), a and guitarist Chris Robison lays down Columbia University Press and affection,” and that he hopes by Wchampion Chris Lee (李宇春) however, is Endless Longing (朝思暮 Taichung band that was the ringleader a memorable acoustic guitar riff on the writing this book he can warn others has been grabbing the headlines 想), the theme song to the costume of a group of punks in the early 2000s folk rock number Darla Evil, one of off such a sorry lifestyle. But this, of international media with her comedy Panda Express (熊貓大俠). known as the Feirenbang (廢人幫). Now the album’s stronger tracks. of course, is a very familiar form of bribes) in the first place. And both bans controversial androgynous look, With a nod to Theresa Teng’s (鄧麗 he is poised to be a star again, this time Earthquakes is available online disclaimer, offering a self-righteous are indeed soon relaxed. second runner-up (張靚穎) 君) classic A Thousand Words (千言 a little bit closer to the mainstream. and at various outlets in Taiwan. Visit moral purpose for what is in reality a This is the traditional Chinese world is slowly gaining popularity with her 萬語), the song embarks on a sonic www.dolittles.com for details. salacious story that is far more likely — David Chen of drinking contests, elaborate meals, girl-next-door appeal and powerhouse journey that flaunts Zhang’s command — David Chen to attract newcomers to the pleasures dragon boats, financial deals, sworn delivery of meaty ballads. As China’s of understated singing with a poignant arthquakes is the first full- it describes than to put them off them. brotherhoods, sentences of exile, answer to (with multi- and intimate delivery. Elength release by The DoLittles, ire Ex (滅火器), another band Sermons, after all, don’t make much auspicious dates, marriage brokers, from the Feirenbang days, is back money, but Sex and the City-style octave vocals, whistle register and — ANDREW C.C. HUANG a Taichung-based band started in F ancestor worship, tea-drinking, with its second full-length album, narratives certainly do. exorcisms, rice-growing and fireworks. long curly hair), Zhang just might be 2006 by British expat Andy Goode. Standing Here (海上的人). The four- So, what does this literary trail- It probably hasn’t changed that much China’s biggest music export since he Hindsight (光景消逝) is an “emo This album will appeal most to the blazer have to offer? It’s about the in essence, though the opium has gone, Na Ying (那英). Tscreamo” band with a polished group’s loyal fans from the expat pub piece Kaohsiung group, formed by lead loves and fortunes — often misfortunes being replaced by other substances. Believe in Jane (我相信), Zhang’s sound that takes its cue from groups circuit — Goode chose the album’s and guitarist Sam Yang (楊大正) too — of five married males who are The massage girls are certainly back in fourth studio album but her first to like Linkin Park and Green Day. nine tracks from a pool of his band’s and bassist JC Chen (陳尊敬) in 2000, all enthusiastic brothel-goers. Two business. And today Yangzhou itself, receive distribution in Taiwan, was From Dripping Tears, He Saw strongest live material. has come a long way from its days as a things are clear about them, as Patrick where Marco Polo once got a job, is an co-written and produced by award- Hopes (在眼淚中看見希望), the four- The DoLittles, armed with two cover band. Hanan, the book’s highly accomplished important tourist destination. winning Taiwanese producer Adia (阿 member group’s second album, brims electric guitarists, a bassist and Many of the pop punk numbers on translator, explains. First, they are by As for the sexual content of the 弟仔) and sees Zhang’s diva prowess with punk energy, emo angst and metal drummer, play modern rock with a this 12-track CD are primed for radio, no means unhappy in the experiences book, it’s of course not as explicit as in full display with an abundance of melodrama — a perfect sound track for pop tilt. The sparse guitar riffs in The with feel-good choruses, fat-sounding they encounter, so that the novel’s we’re used to today. Nevertheless, it’s power ballads. The title track I Believe angry and frustrated teenagers. Clocks drive a groove that reminds guitars and catchy melodies. The song ostensible function as a warning to arguable that the old games continue Days (日子) would fit well on a TV future customers is undermined from (我相信) (with lyrics written by Zhang The CD packs a punch at the me of early U2, while the revved-up unaltered — fully justified accusations sound track for a teen drama. the very beginning. And second, the herself) is an uplifting anthem that beginning with Act I: Mirror of Mirth, electric guitars and engaging vocal of infidelity answered by unbelievable Yang mostly writes and sings in women they fall for are a long way vows of constancy, demands for proclaims unconditional love. I Don’t a song reminiscent of Taiwanese heavy duet on Slow Down fit the band’s Hoklo (commonly known as Taiwan- from being only exploitative gold- money answered by protestations of Want to Pray is a jazz-influenced gem metal stars Chthonic (閃靈), full of self-identification as “progressive diggers. They too have their feelings insolvency — jealousy and avarice, in in which Zhang moans about love in shrieking vocals and double-kick drum alternative rock.” ese) and shows that the language — their pride, their hopes and other words, mixed in with a hunger for laid-back vocals with improvisational blasts. But the song doesn’t celebrate Above all, these songs are designed works well in modern genres, not their affections. compliments (and a knowledge by the verve. The unequivocal highlight, the underworld as much as express a to rouse an audience. The frenetic just nakashi and old-fashioned pop. As for the opium, it’s in no way men of what their compliments might I Need You (需要你) is a grandiose, desire to escape it. On one line, lead Stooge is a crowd-pleaser that will Freedom (自由路) and Old Picture (舊 seen as the harmfully addictive be rewarded with), and a fundamental inspirational song with melodic singer and guitarist AJ (阿傑) sings, “I especially resonate with expat English 照片) are infectious numbers that beg substance it’s nowadays routinely female need for love — if only the chirps and soaring vocals reminiscent won’t live in the dark side this time.” teachers tired of working for the boss: you to sing along, if you’re not already portrayed as in both official Western partner really could be trusted. of ’s classic One The album’s lyrics, which were “You’ve been working for the man so moshing. Yang sounds equally at home and Chinese thinking. The 19th- There are various formal elements Moment in Time. written and sung in English by AJ and long/she has sucked you dry/you’re singing in Mandarin on Dusk Freeway century brothels offered it to in the novel. There’s a quaint summary Other tracks attempt to establish bassist Rico, will sound either overly such a stooge.” (黃昏公路), one of album’s best tracks. customers, in Hanan’s words, “almost introducing each chapter, a number of Zhang as a multi-talented R ’n’ B ambitious or just plain awkward to The opening track Sunshine sports The band has also been tapping into as readily as they offered them tea.” poems are introduced here and there, 快活 native English speakers. AJ manages a hippie vibe, as Goode sings in the mainstream sounds, and to good effect. Historian Frank Dikotter’s argument and every chapter ends by urging the chanteuse. Have Fun ( ) is a A Man on the Sea (海上的人), a wistful in Narcotic Culture [reviewed in reader to turn to the next one to find disco-infused dance rouser that offers to jam this obtuse line, “Trumpeting refrain, “Take a little piece of sunshine ballad, could be considered a homage Taipei Times Dec. 12, 2004] that out what happens next, who’s arrived, an infectious melody and convincing the outcome just like you trumpeting for your soul/maybe it’ll pull you out of opium consumption in China was a or even what a couple did in bed delivery of lyrics such as “let’s have fun it before,” into a melodic sounding your hole.” to Taiwan’s top rocker, Wu Bai (伍佰). largely harmless occupation until its (though this particular expectation before the world ends.” Another, No snippet on Act I. This song felt a little bald after Along with Good Night, Formosa (晚 use became politicized is in no way isn’t in fact satisfied). Can Do (辦不到), features lines penned But the band rocks, and for many repeated listenings, as did the minor- 安台灣), an acoustic number that also challenged by this old novel. Patrick Hanan’s translation of this by rapper Da Mouth’s (大嘴巴) lyricist that’s all that matters. key tune Ghost at No. 31, which appeared on the band’s 2008 EP Where Nevertheless, there is a chapter book is exemplary. It’s colloquial and MC 40. The Hindsight’s best songs are the is nicely orchestrated with spacey Am I?(我底叨位), the song is one of the in Courtesans and Opium where up-to-date without being anywhere Zhang is China’s new queen of ones that keep it simple. On Stitch It guitar sounds, eerie harmonies and few instances where the band isn’t the call girl Phoenix is urged to give inappropriate — a difficult balancing the theme song (she already has 11 Up, AJ and Rico scream: “Two hearts dreamy piano sequences, but fell driving at a slam-dance pace. up smoking opium if she can, and an act to achieve at the best of times. TV, movie and theater theme songs cannot be one anymore/This is hurt/ short on suspense — I wanted to be Fire Ex borrows from Western and “antidote” is described in detail that will If forced to choose between the under her belt), and Believe in Jane This is hurt.” If this doesn’t speak to a more scared of the ghost portrayed in Japanese rock like a lot of young and help her shake off the habit. (Elsewhere three East Asian brothel novels includes two of these as bonus tracks heartbroken high school rock fan holed the lyrics. The impact of this song is aspiring Taiwanese bands. But what sets in the novel there’s a detailed doctor’s mentioned here I’d probably opt for prescription as well, for “cold and in the Taiwan version of the album. up in a bedroom, then nothing will. probably stronger when performed live. this band apart is that it is honing an Nagai Kafu’s Rivalry, if only because original sound from the genres it once hot elements blocking each other.”) the author’s sardonic presence is Mulan Star (木蘭星), the theme song The Hindsight wears Western rock All of the musicians on the CD offer The possibility of opium addiction, in so all-pervasive and so fascinating. for the period movie Mulan (花木蘭), influences on its sleeve, as the band solid performances and the production emulated. Standing Here marks a new other words, isn’t entirely outside the But Courtesans and Opium has is a gem that pitches Zhang’s vocal has deep roots in the early days of values are of good quality. The vocal milestone for the band’s songwriting. scope of this author’s consciousness. many virtues — it’s nowhere dull, against the classical accompaniment the Taiwanese indie scene. AJ was harmonies are excellent throughout — David Chen But the reason why Phoenix is being and probably surpasses the other urged to give it up is that the local two books in period detail. What is prefect has announced a ban on the particularly significant, though, is substance, along with prostitution that all three novels are published in itself. What’s most significant, however, English by Columbia University Press. is that everyone believes neither ban The service Columbia is doing in will last very long, and that they were making Chinese classics available probably put in place to increase to the West in strong translations government revenues (in the form of is immeasurable. Softcover: UK

beneath the water haunts the book. beauty to beauty, without knowing first in the Irish tradition that is A woman tells of how she reached what it means. written from an eastern European Publication Notes In living memory down to pick up a starfish in the He travels west to investigate point of view. But sentence by same waters, only to find “it was the death of Maire, a story sentence, it is also a refusal to As the good times roll in Hugo Hamilton’s tale of life in a not a starfish she was holding at that Kevin and his family are fall through the open trapdoor. all, but the hand of a young man.” not interested in. The past is Hamilton loves the spaces prosperous Ireland, the past is brushed under the carpet Vid becomes interested in and something all the characters try between things: his characters then obsessed by one of Kevin’s to put behind them. When their live, not just between cultures or By Ann Enright of accident that Dublin affords, up underneath his feet.” relatives, Maire Concannon, milder methods of forgetting between languages, but between The Guardian, London with a lawyer, Kevin Concannon, Vid is slow to form opinions. whose drowned body, shamefully — boredom, denial, snobbery the past and the future; they stay Hugo Hamilton grew up in a and they become friends. Their An opinion is a form of ownership, pregnant, washed up on Inis Mor — are not enough, they turn to suspended between innocence and Dublin household where the relationship is drunken and aimless, and as a stranger, both in the many years before. more radical means, to anger, sex guilt, between knowledge and the English language was forbidden, but it is also bound by a high- country and in the language, he Vid sees many islands, not and drugs. “Junkies are the real lack of it. and he has delighted in its illicit minded, almost severe brand of owns very little. He can read only just the Aran Islands in the west exiles now,” Vid says. Sex with Language attaches itself to and innocent pleasures ever since. male loyalty. “A friend is someone the surface. Intentions, his own — the most iconic Irish landscape his girlfriend “seems to prohibit the world as though for the first In his memoir A Speckled People who would put his hand in the fire included, are not clear. Meanwhile, of them all — but also Dalkey all memory,” making him “truly time. The world itself is seen “in he wrote about speaking German for you,” says Concannon, who, we the past and the sins of the past Island in the east, and Dursey blank.” Above all, the characters translation,” and each thing he to his mother and Irish to his suspect, is better at dramatizing refuse either to connect with the Island in the south, which is joined take refuge in drink. If this is an writes is playful and clear. It is nationalist father, while, beyond friendship than living it. Vid knows present or to go away. to the mainland by cable car. account of boom-time Ireland, as though his characters have he is not the first person to find the After a violent incident that their front door, children played, This is used to transport sheep a country where friendship shrugged off an extra skin — their Irish both urgent and irresponsible binds Vid and Kevin together for mothers shopped, and rock as well as people, and in it Vid is an ambush and no one in a cultural hides — and this makes in these matters; in the way they the course of the novel, they park bands sang in the former is overpowered “by the smell of supermarket ever says hello, the them tender and new. A natural Hand in the Fire confuse strangers with their great on the quays looking out over the sheep shit and sheep fear and most telling moments happen modernist, Hamilton is a great oppressors’ tongue. openness and their lack of follow port of Dublin. “We waited for His most recent protagonist, possibly my own fear included.” during the furious late-night chaos international writer who just By Hugo Hamilton through. Perhaps, he says, it is the future to come, wondering He imagines the “door opening that we, as a society, call “fun.” happens to be Irish. His is the voice Vid Cosic is a young Serb from because of centuries of emigration, if he was going to drive over the 278 pages Belgrade who has come to work on and the sheep falling down into Hand in the Fire might be read of the migrant, the mongrel, of the which made all connections edge. We might as well have gone the sea, one by one,” but that does as a conventional character-driven person who is neither one thing nor Fourth Estate the building sites of the Irish boom. temporary and turned every friend underwater as it was, driving along He falls in, by way of the easy kind not happen and he continues his novel with a strong story. It could the other, of the stranger and the a man had into “a trapdoor opening the floor of the sea.” The world journey across the landscape, from also be seen as a social novel, the traveler in us all.