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fwoopersongs · 1 month

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[Book Rec + Reaction/Thoughts] The Lantern and the Night Moths 灯与夜蛾 by Yilin Wang

An anthology of translated poems by five modern or contemporary poets and accompanying essays by the translator, @yilinwriter.

You can find the pronunciation guide and list of corrections here!

The cover art, a beautiful expression of the tone of this collection, is by Taiwanese artist Ciaoyin (check out her gorgeous insta!). I'm looking forward to the arrival of the physical book as my tab absolutely does not do it justice xD

Anyway! The official release date is 02 April 2024 though there have been some very thoughtful reviews by early readers already. Here, here, here and here.

(It was an ARC that I received too… though in the time it took to put this together, the ebooks have already gone out to readers >.< typical snail yj!)

Instead, I’ll tell you who I think would be interested in this book or might benefit from reading it, then share things that are cool about it from the perspective of a bilingual hobbyist translator + lover of ancient poetry and lyrics.

Who should read it?

If annotations, translator’s notes and reflections spark joy for you...

If you’ve ever read poetry translations and been intensely curious about what goes on under the hood...

If you’re a translator yourself wanting to hear another voice...

Definitely check this out!

Also if you’re CN+EN bilingual and have ever read something in English that references Chinese terms and concepts etc. except ONLY in English, pinyin or wade-giles and been utterly frustrated by the ensuing guessing game (like me) Fear Not.

That will not be a problem here.

I really appreciate how Chinese words are used naturally where needed for concepts and quotes - they are also translated for those who can't read Chinese so no one is left out. It made this book of and about translation (and more) super comfortable to read! The solution is so simple, so direct, so rarely used that I am amused.

Oh, but do note that the Chinese characters are in simplified though!

The poems are organised by their writers who are listed here by order of birth year, not appearance in the book:

秋瑾 (Qiu Jin, 1875 to 1907)

废名 (Fei Ming. 1901 to 1967)

戴望舒 (Dai Wangshu, 1905 to 1950)

小西 (Xiao Xi, 1974 to _)

张巧慧 (Zhang Qiaohui, 1978 to _)

Altogether, that covers nearly the last 150 years up to now. I’ve never really been into poetry by poets in such relatively recent times, in part because I’d been holding on to this stereotype of them spurning Classical Chinese and ancient poetry in the first half of the 20th century (not entirely true, as I came to realise xD). It made sense and was understandable, but felt sad.

Yet am I the target audience for this book?

Very much so.

In ways I didn’t think I would be too! It was so much fun to experience this both as a reader and a translator that I thought I’d share it here, where we are appreciating Chinese poetry together.

If you didn’t think you’d enjoy modern Chinese poetry, hey, give it a chance!

Oh yeah - on the way home a while back, I was talking to a friend about translation and was surprised to hear that her impression was that it ought to be a straightforward process. Like isn’t it a 1:1 conversion? At some point, ‘what’s the difference between something google translate might return, and how you would say it?’ was asked, and oh that was a delightful question to my ears! I showed her one of my comparison sheets where an original text is laid out alongside multiple translations line-by-line, briefly explaining some common and unique choices and how the people who had translated those probably arrived at the various interpretations. She was pretty amazed to see that the answer to her question was: very different. Hey, it’s a complicated process!

But there’s only so much one can explain in the space of a train ride. That’s why The Lantern and the Night Moths is a book I would also rec to someone like this friend of mine - open minded and curious but never having the chance to think about or encounter the craft of translation.

Like Yilin says, ‘the meaning of a word cannot be fully expressed in one single translation, nor through a series of translation attempts’. She then explains why with great attention to detail and some solid examples from one of the poems with word choices loaded with subtle connotations :D

What's interesting about it?

Okay, for one, Yilin shared a playlist of music that she listened to while working on this book. Here is the link to the spotify one and the one on youtube. Check them out! They sure put me in the mood to read xD (favs: 别知己, 小神仙 & 去有風的地方) Afterwards, this made so much sense like - ah! an audio moodboard.

She's also putting together these adorable mini profiles of each poet along with a cmedia and tea rec to match their vibes. Go see them on her instagram xD

Now to business...

structure

What really helped keep the reader’s focus was the way each section is organized, how the poems and accompanying essay were presented and finally the short bio of each person right at the end.

The poets are first introduced through five or six of their poems, works well suited to this purpose. Their voices, distinct through the vision, ambition and emotion of their words, are brought across by Yilin’s sensitive, thoughtful and poetic translations into English. These translations were also creative and transformative in a way that made so much sense after reading one of her reflections on the process, how she ‘must guide it with gentle hands to ensure its spirit is kept alive and intact during this transformative, and often excruciating process’. A rebirth into another language!

Personally, I’ve come to think of reading translations as looking at a work through another’s eyes. So it’s delightful when the translator’s presence is discernible, and even more so when the reader is given insight into their intention and process via commentary.

Yilin’s essays coupled with the poets’ bios at the end provide a means to go back and appreciate their works in context of their circumstance and inspirations. Similarly, to read the translations with a changed perspective.

I don’t know how much of a thing this is with translated poetry anthologies in English - can count the number I’ve read with both hands lol, and they’re all of the ancient chinese poetry variety - but I really like this design.

drawing on poets who came before them

Remember how we’re always recognizing traces of inspiration from ancient works (to them) in poetry of the various dynasties? 李商隐 Li Shangyin of Tang for example, was influenced by 楚辞 Verses of Chu and folklore and mythology such as that in 山海经 Classic of Mountains and Seas, 李白 Li Bai frequently references poets and history of the 魏晋 Wei-Jin era, and 王维 Wang Wei was clearly familiar with Buddhist scriptures which were translations themselves!

Just like the late Táng poets whom he praised for boldly deviating from the voices before them, Fei Ming used popular references and tropey shorthands ‘in contexts utterly different from the original, reimagining them anew’. Dai Wangshu, too, ‘boldly re-envisioned what modern poetry could look like by revisiting the classics’. In fact, in his very relatable ‘To Answer the Visitor with Classical Imagery’, I see Li Bai’s 春夜宴桃李园序, Qu Yuan’s 离骚 and lots of - as the title says - classical imagery, as if pulling out painting after painting to describe a feeling.

And Dai Wangshu’s faith in the translatability of poetry, that ‘poetry isn’t what is lost in translation, but rather, what survives it’ reminds me of what a friend, @xiakeponz, said that I agree with so much - because readers can ‘experience something in their own individual way through (your) shared humanity rather than language alone’.

poetic tradition and beyond

Between the lines of contemporary poets Zhang Qiaohui and Xiao Xi, I can really see the charm of plain vernacular, how it can be beautiful, incisive and clever in turns. Even as it seems to have moved further than ever from the structure and language of literary Chinese, the themes that inspired common motifs remain a part of life. Mother and divinity, homesickness, finding oneself, tributes to admirable spirits and the issues that trouble society - just in a new form and with different ways of expression.

Qiu Jin

So many FEELINGS about what Qiu Jin was doing - ‘I awaken the spirits of women, hundreds of flowers, abloom’. I would love if she could see the world now. So many things for her to rouse and fight against, but at the same time just as many to be proud of. I am so in awe of her, but now hearing her loneliness and struggle there is a soft spot in my heart for those too.

conclusion

So so so…

Qiu Jin’s admirable fire and lonely resolve. Zhang Qiaohui’s precious ability to express beauty in the mundane and in pain. Fei Ming’s utter delight! He is having so much fun and when* I’m vibing, I feel it too. Xiao Xi’s critical eye and keen observation of the world. Dai Wangshu’s whimsical charm and passion for translation. Finally, Yilin Wang, the connecting thread wound through them all, bringing them together so that we may be acquainted.

*Reading his poetry is like unwrapping a seamless, many layered present. A gift that keeps giving - if only you have a key 😅 Fortunately, Yilin has halved our struggle 🤣

I’ve had such a great time with them all. And if you come, I hope you will too!

#The Lantern and the Night Moths #chinese poetry #Yilin Wang #poetry in translation #灯与夜蛾 #Qiu Jin #Zhang Qiaohui #Fei Ming #Xiao Xi #Dai Wangshu #rambly reviews #i read from Fei Ming onwards on my kobo LOL but that one has no colour so...#i might do more of these review-y rambles about poetry things if y'all are interested?#i've been reading LOL #some are chinese some are english #all of them fun and enlightening

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gilthairpins · 1 year

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Bu Bu Jing Xin

Startling by Each Step

By Tong Hua

Using Google Translator as I am impatient. I have a copy of the Chinese edition

Book 1 Chapter One: The Place Where You Wake Up Is a Hundred Years Old.

It’s midsummer season, no better than the new green in early spring, knowing that the good days will begin, so it is bright and happy, and the green in front of you is heavy, perhaps because you know that the splendor has reached its peak, and the days that come will only get worse.

Just like my mood at this time. It’s already the tenth day in ancient times, but I still feel that this is a dream. I will be in modern society when I wake up, not in the 43rd year of Kangxi[‘s reign]; I am still a single white-collar worker of 25 years old- Zhang Xiao! Not this 13 year old Manchu girl Martai Ruoxi. Ten days ago, after I had gotten off work, I didn’t pay attention to the traffic when I crossed the road. When I heard the screams of the crowd, it was already too late. I felt like I was flying into the sky, but I saw the other half of my body hanging on the truck. I was in fear and pain. I lost consciousness at some point and when I woke, I was in the bed of the former body’s owner.

According to the maid, I fell down the stairs in the pavilion and was in a coma for a day and a night. As for the “illness” that I forgot everything after I woke up, the doctor said I was overly frightened and would recover.

Not long after I left, there was sweat on my forehead. The elder sister’s dowry maid, Qiaohui persuaded, “Second miss, let’s go back. Although it is past noon, the heat is most poisonous at this time, and your health hasn’t completely recovered.”

I replied meekly, “Okay! I should finish reading my sister’s scriptures.”

My current name is Martai Ruoxi, and this body’s sister is Martai Ruolan, who is quite famous in the Qing Dynasty. The side Fujin [2nd wife] of Prince Lian’s eighth brother Yun. However, now eighth brother, he hasn’t been crowned king, but he is just a Bei’le, and he has no need to avoid Yongzheng’s name and change his own. So he should be called Yinsi.

The character of the sister is gentle and virtuous when it sounds good, and cowardly when it sounds ugly. She always spends half the day reciting scriptures daily. I’m afraid I’m not very favored. In the last ten days I’ve been here I haven’t even heard eighth brother. But from the perspective of these last ten days older sister has been very good to me, from food to clothing, lest I feel uncomfortable. I sighed inwardly. If I couldn’t go back, then I could only rely on her in this time. But thinking about the fate of eight brother in the future, I felt that this reliance would be unreliable. However, after all, that was many years in later. And I couldn’t care about that right now.

When I returned to the house, my sister was already there. She was sitting at the table eating snacks. When she saw me enter she said with a bit of frustration, “You are not afraid of this heat hitting your head.”

I smiled stepping forward and sit next to her. “How can it be so expensive? Besides I went out like this, turned around. I feel my body is not as heavy as a few days ago.”

She looked at me and said, “You do look better, but the weather is poisonous now. Don’t go out again at this time.” “I know”, I said.

Dongyun came over with a basin and partially knelt for me to wash my hands. I smiled secretly to myself and thought- I know, I know, I will talk about it next time if I do, or not. Qiaohui used a towel to dry my hands and picked out an amber cream to wipe them. It smelled sweet, but I didn’t know what to do.

I washed my hands and was about to pick out a few snacks to eat when I had a strange feeling and looked up. My sister kept staring at me. My heart skipped and I stared at her questioningly. “You… before had the rudest personality. Father’s words [characters translated to Ama] were not taken to heart. You fell and swayed people, being docile and courteous now!”

I breathed a sigh of relief, looked at the snacks and smiled at her. “Could it be that my sister wanted me to straighten up?” She picked up a hibiscus cake that I liked and handed it to me. “In half a year you will enter the girl draft. It’s a bit of a rule. How can you keep messing around?”

A mouthful of hibiscus cake stuck in my throat and choked me. She handed me some water. Qiaohui patted my back. Dongyun was busy with a handkerchief. Sister laughed in exasperation. “I just said there were rules! So you act like this for others to see? No one will rob you!”

Wiping my mouth, I thought to myself. “What should I do? Should I tell her I am not your sister Ruoxi? Of course not! I could only comfort myself. Isn’t there still half a year left?

I asked her casually, “I heard from sister last time that father was stationed in the northwest and I was sent here about a month ago. Could it be because of this girl draft that father has sent me here?

“Yes. Father said that since mother had died early you wouldn’t listen to auntie’s words. You were willing to listen to me, so I brought you here to educate you first.”

During this time I went to the circle in the morning after eating, and went to the circle after dinner in the evening. This is the only exercising method I can think of now. Although it is simple, the effects are very good. I feel more and more that this body is my own. It’s not like the first few days were when I woke up and felt powerless.

I also induced Qiaohui to lead me to the pavilion where Martai Ruoxi had fallen and stood there several times. I thought about jumping down on impulse. Maybe I would return to the modern time when next I opened my eyes. But I was more afraid of not returning, being stuck here.

Deep in my heart I felt the latter more likely. The terrifying scene I saw before falling into a coma after the car accident was no illusion. As for why my soul came to this ancient body I do not know.

Qiaohui accompanied me for a long walk. We were both a little tired. There was a flat patch behind the rockery. On a stone, Qiaohui spread a handkerchief for me to sit on. I sat next to her. The sun just went down, the stone was warm and a breeze was blowing a bit cool and comfortable.

I looked up at the sky overhead. The blue was starting to darken, but it was still crystal clear. It seemed like I could reach out my hand and touch it. I thought to myself that this was indeed heaven. The only other time I saw a similar sky in Beijing was on Lingshan. I missed my parents. My head hearts. Pain, not the pain of one’s own death, but the pain of grief of the white haired parents sending off their black haired children. But fortunately there is also my brother who has been the backbone of our parents since he was a child. I could feel relieved with him there.

While feeling sad, I heard Qiaohui say, “Second miss, you have indeed changed!”

My sister has been saying this a few days ago. I was nervous at the beginning, but now, I didn’t care as much. I still looked at the sky and asked, “Where is it? Move, before you fall. The Master said that you were a ‘wild horse’. You often persuade her to recite less scriptures and dress more brightly. I am also glad that someone finally persuaded her, but you didn’t mention it.”

I looked sideways at Qiaohui, but she had lowered her eyes as soon as she had met my gaze. I thought about it. “Sister is doing fine now.”

Qiaohui lowered her head and said with a trembling voice, “Very good? Yes.”

I didn’t know how to explain it to her. Should I tell her that eighth brother had a bleak future end. And that the closer you are now, the more hurt you will be in the future? I sighed and said, “It’s not bad for my sister to stay away from such things. She is now in a peaceful mood. Contentment is always happy. I can’t see what is wrong.”

Qiaohui looked up at me, as if to see if I were telling the truth. Finally she turned her head and said, “But those people at the house…”

I interrupted her, “Look up at the sky, look at such a beautiful sky. You will forget all all those unhappy things.” She couldn’t react but looked up at the sky in a daze, and then said again, “Look at me, what else do I want to say.” I tipped my head back to look at the sky. She finally swallowed her words and watched the sky with me.

Suddenly there was a burst of laughter and two people came around from the side of the rockery. The leading person was was shorter and slightly fatter. He laughed and said over his shoulder, “This little girl is interesting! A little girl of no more than thirteen or fourteen years old speaking as a person who has experienced the world. An old man who doesn’t fit his age!”

As soon as Qiaohui saw them, she immediately stood up and greeted them. “Ninth and Tenth auspicious brother.” I haven’t seen outsiders since I had come here. There is a difference between honor and inferiority. Fortunately I hadn’t watched many costume dramas and I hurriedly followed Qiaohui’s example and bowed in greeting. But my heart was beating like a drum. I had forgotten I was 13 now instead of 25.

The laughing boy stared me up and down, rubbing his chin with his hand. I figured out that he was Tenth brother and the one just behind him standing exceptionally straight was Ninth.

Ninth said flatly, “Get up!”

Qiaohui and I straightened up. I was thinking in my heart that amongst the famous sons of Kangxi the first I met was not eighth brother Xian Wang [late king], but the legendary poisonous snake Lao Jiu [old nine] and strawbag Lao Shi [translated as old teacher-unclear]. I didn’t say anything disrespectful, even if they had listened. I should be fine, right?

Ten smiled at me. “Are you from the Martai family?”

“Yes!” I replied.

He seemed to want to say something, but Nine urged, “Let’s go, mynah [starling] is still waiting.”

Ten hurried past us patting his head shouting, “Yes, I look hot. Just forgot about business. Go, go, go!”

When the two of them had passed by, I watched thinking about the appearance of Tenth brother and sighed. “The ancients are sincere and I am not deceived.” Tenth’s face stiffened. He didn’t know who to blame for this ridicule. I was apprehensive, not wanting him to face me, but I couldn’t hold back. I burst out laughing again. He grinned at me and turned to chase Ninth.

When I walked back Qiaohui didn’t speak. I don’t know if it was because I was a bit scared just now or if I was dissatisfied. I had also been silent thinking in my heart. If my poor historical knowledge is correct, there may not be many twists in the bowels of Tenth. I am afraid of what he will tell Eighth casually: about what just happened. As for how Eighth will react, I have absolutely no idea. Considering his title is the virtuous king, he might not be so stingy a person. But I should tell my sister first. It is always good to prepare. I had made up my mind and was almost there when I slowed down and said to Qiaohui, “I always hope Sister is doing well. Don’t worry!” After speaking I walked into the house not caring how she reacted.

My sister was lying on her side of her couch, a servant at her feet massaging her legs. I made a silent gesture and sat down next to her. My sister could be called a beauty. I feel pity for her. With a pointed chin, her complexion is pretty good. She has white smooth skin that looks more crystal like under lamps. If this were modern times, I’m afraid she would have had people chasing after her.

She opened her eyes and caught me staring. She smiled. The maid helped her sit up. “You’re quieter now and don’t chatter when you come back. What’s so good about me?”

I returned her smile. “If my sister isn’t good looking, I’m afraid there will not be many good looking people.” The maid brought her a cup of water. Sister took a few sips and handed the cup back. She squinted.

I said lightly, “I met Ninth and Tenth brother in the garden.”

After awhile she opened her eyes, when she found I had nothing further to add, and glanced at the maid next to her. “Go and prepare bath supplies for her.” The maids backed out of the room as I stood up. I walked over and sat down next to her and told her about this evening. After listening in silence sister stared at a glazed screen with painted horses across the room in a daze. After a long time she spoke up, “Little sister you have really grown up! You don’t act like a thirteen year old girl anymore. It’s like that fall ages you ten years!” It was indeed a big fall, I thought to myself.

A maid returned and said the hot water and bath supplies were ready. Sister pushed me. “Go take a bath.”

I stared at her and didn’t move.

She stared back. Her gaze a mixture of hurt and pity. “You have grown up now and know to think of your elder sister. I am very happy, but in my position you don’t have to think so much about anything as long as you don’t do anything out of the ordinary. It’s up to you to laugh and laugh.” She tidied my messy hair around my ear and said softly, “In the future… when you enter the palace what you want… will be an impossibility.”

I vaguely understood what she was trying to say to me and my heart became heavy. I responded, “Well…” and followed the maid to bathe.

After that day, although I hadn’t said anything outrageous, I still had a level of worry on my heart. When the day passed and there was no movements I gradually calmed down. I reminded myself to be careful in the future, in word and deed. My sister is not favored and I should not cause her any trouble.

After taking an afternoon nap, I went to greet sister. Seeing all the servants and maids around me were all happy, but her face was pale. “What is wrong?”

She said nothing and tried to smile. It was a sour smile. Qiaohui answered happily, “The servant that had just come has said he would be joining us for dinner this evening.”

I didn’t know how to respond so I sat in silence. My sister seeing this tried to soothe me. “It’s nothing important. Dongyun, take the young miss back and dress her properly. Even though this is a family meal it will be her first time meeting Bei’le. It would be rude not to prepare.”

Combing hair, brushing eye brows, and dressing in ancient styles- I am not good at these. Let the maids handle it, I will be a puppet. But I never have an idle moment, thinking about the Qing palace drama yet to come. The eighth prince has always been Yongzheng’s mortal enemy, someone who is always his opponent, who hates sleeping and eating: definitely not a normal person. I began to look forward to this evening as though I would be meeting an idol face to face.

Once dressed, I realized how much ancient women had suffered. The the head and feet are solidly wrapped up, not much different from wrapping zongzi. But it is still summer and uncomfortable! I kept twisting on my stool. The time for dinner was early but still eighth brother hasn’t appeared. The fresh feeling was dissipating and I couldn’t keep still. I stood quickly, grabbing a fan from a nearby maid. Sister frowned as I asked, “Why is it so hot?”

As I fanned myself, I said, “If he doesn’t show up I am going back to change. I’m going to suffer!” Before I could finish my words, the curtain lifted and three people filed in. The 23/24 year old in front was tall, wearing moon white robes with a green belt at the waist and a jade pendant of similar color hanging from it. His face was as beautiful as jade and eyes bright like stars. I secretly praised him. He has some feminine looks but he is really beautiful for a man.

When he saw me, he startled, briefly surprised. He quickly relaxed his features with a smile as he watched me. I quickly reacted to bow. The maids and servants already bowing, well before I had. Show up, busy, bowing down! Alas, I am still not used to these rules of comings and goings. He smiled down at me and helped me back up. “Get up.” Looking past me he said to my sister, “Something came up that delayed me with ninth and tenth brother, as well as other matters. So we came together as it was too late to notify you.

Sister smiled, “It’s no big deal. After all, you are the master.”

Ninth and Tenth seated themselves and the maids approached to offer water and towels to freshen up before eating. Sister turned and ordered the servants to pass around the meal. I just stood there. Sister! Did you forget me?!

Ninth was expressionless and Tenth still looked like a ruffian. He kept glancing at me from time to time since entering the room. There was a lazy smile on his face. After a moment my sister returned and smiled, “It’s time to eat!” Eighth also smiled and opened the door. He glanced at me with another smile. “Is this Ruoxi? A few days ago you were not feeling so well. Are you feeling better now?”

I replied, “Almost.”

Eighth smiled at me and said, “You’re alright, stop standing, sit!”

I glanced over to my sister who didn’t respond and I sat down.

During dinner Eighth laughed and said a few words to my sister from time to time. Normally I have an excellent appetite. Tonight I had no appetite because of the heat. He kept going on and on, and it became difficult for me to even swallow. I thought, ‘Am I a beautiful appetizer for him?’

I stole a look around the room and found no one was paying attention. I immediately raised my gaze and stared hard at Tenth. He was having a good time eating. I was stunned. Occasionally he forgot the chopsticks in his mouth. I stared at his stupid face again and felt ridiculous. I pursed my lips into a smile and lowered my head to eat. Inadvertently I had glanced over and saw sister, Eighth, and Ninth staring at me. My heart skipped and I choked and coughed. I waved my hand to indicate I was okay. Tenth laughed at me but I didn’t dare look up at him. Pretending nothing was wrong I gargled some water and returned to eating, my face burning.

After finally completing the meal, Eighth sat a while. Eventually he had gotten up with Ninth and Tenth.

An older servant asked, “Would you like the door unbarred tonight?”

Eighth said lightly, “No need.”

As soon as they had left I jumped up happily and called for Qiaohui to help me change. Sister smiled and fanned me. “Why are you so afraid of the heat? We are fine.”

I smiled but didn’t reply. You are used to being wrapped up like zongzi since young, but I am used to lighter clothing. People wear skirts in the summer.

Once Eighth and the others had left, my sister and I were happy, but not a trace of joy was on the servants faces. I thought about it for a while and came to understand, but I didn’t care as my sister didn’t mind.

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