In the fiction section, the Afghan writer Khaled Hosseini's debut novel The Kite Runner has turned out to be a blockbuster in China.

A stalwart of the New York Times' best-seller list, a Chinese version of the book has now also enchanted readers in China with its breathtaking storyline. It was released in May this year to much praise, quickly topping the chart of best-selling novels.

It follows the story of Amir, son of a wealthy Afghan businessman, and Hassan, whose father is a servant to Amir's family.

The two boys are good friends despite their disparity in social status and spend happy days together in Kabul.

However, their relationship becomes soured when an unexpected incident happens in which Amir shuns the responsibility of saving his friend. After fleeing to America during a time of political turmoil, Amir finds himself being constantly haunted by his guilt and finally returns to his homeland 20 years later to redeem himself.

Set in Afghanistan in the late 20th century, the novel covers a crucial historical span in its political history, including the Soviet invasion in 1980. It reveals universal human experiences: love and honour, guilt and fear, all woven into the fabric of Afghanistan's national history to bring out a larger-than-life epic story.

"I don't know why," said a young girl surnamed Xia, "but I just couldn't stop as soon as I started reading this book. Seldom have I been so deeply touched by a story like this. I will strongly recommend my friends to read it."

"Reading it is like going on a journey that will land you at a deeper understanding of your own life," said Li Jihong, a Guangzhou-based critic.

Lasting popularity

Novels by Chinese writers such as Brothers (Xiongdi) and The Wolf Totem (Lang Tuteng) have remained best-sellers despite their relatively old release dates.

The second half of Brothers, by Yu Hua, best known for his novel To Live (Huo Zhe), was published in March this year after much anticipation.

The first part was released last summer, and became an immediate success.

It was set during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), while the second half brings its characters into the last 20 years of the 20th century and has "a more realistic touch in depicting social phenomena," Yu claimed.

Set against the backdrop of the huge changes of the 80s and 90s, the two brothers Li Guangtou and Song Gang see their fortunes slide rapidly amidst a world of sound and fury.

To make matters worse, they turn to the love of the same woman, which adds to the complexity of the story.

By applying a language of vulgarity and absurdity, Yu said he aims to present a panorama of the time. To use his own words, "reality is more absurd than is represented in the novel."

However, critics' reviews have been mixed. Many have voiced their dissatisfaction with the sense of surrealism and absurdity in the novel, which they think holds no validity in representing social reality.

In contrast, judging by sales, readers have had different reactions. Though disappointment with the new series runs rampant online, Guo Wei, a civil servant in Beijing, said as with most of Yu's previous novels, she could still feel herself greatly moved by the theme of love hidden in the story.

Her view is repeated by many others.

The book now ranks second on the list of best-selling novels.

Written more than two years ago and a best-seller for 16 months, Jiang Rong's The Wolf Totem is still able to whip up readers' enthusiasm with its first-hand depiction of nomadic culture in China's Inner Mongolia region and the people's intricate relationship with the wolves.

Combining history and anthropology with philosophical thinking, Jiang Rong addresses a host of social problems while giving a unique interpretation of Chinese history and culture.

Due to the book's huge popularity, Penguin House in the UK purchased its English copyright last September for US$100,000. The book is set to be published in all English-speaking countries next year.

Other major sellers

In the non-fiction category, "I am A Football Match Host," by Huang Jianxiang, is proving a big hit.

Starting as an amateur host without any academic background in broadcasting or journalism, Huang aroused controversy but still maintained his popularity during the World Cup earlier in the summer.

Huang was the central figure of a public debate owing to his passionate support for the Italian team when it beat Australia. The incident, nevertheless, has greatly enhanced his fame as a commentator and host who is candid enough to speak his mind.

His book records his personal experiences since 2004, most of which are concerned with the sport.

Ji Xianlin, a 95-year-old Chinese scholar renowned in linguistics and cultural studies, has recently published two essay collections, both ranking high on the best-sellers list.

Speaking from his personal experiences, Ji writes about what he has learnt in the span of nearly a century and his reflection on life in many different aspects, such as friendship, filial piety, old age, history, and social reality.

Many readers have expressed satisfaction and gratitude after reading his books. Critics said the author's wisdom and generosity flows through the words to "endow the books with a life-giving power."

(China Daily August 4, 2006)