Book Review: Six Records of a Floating Life by Shen Fu

The past few days dragged by in a blur of hospitals and not sleeping well. Last night, I typed an update letter and emailed it top numerous people so I need to write about something else for this post. A little change is okay, right?

Six Records of a Floating Life follows author Shen Fu and his wife Yün through early 19th Century China. A smart woman, Yün asks Shen Fu to teach her to read and write, which he happily does. Their life is both simple and difficult, spending days discussing art and poetry while at the same time trying to earn a decent living as a civil servant and as an art dealer. The book begins as a memoir capturing the love and companionship between Shen Fu and Yün, but also provides a glimpse into the customs and societal views during early 19th Century China. Shen Fu displays the inner workings of their family, how traditions and customs affect everyday life (such as when Yün obtains a courtesan for him because it is expected by society), and also describes the sights and wonders of China from a foot travelers perspective.

For anyone studying China's history, Six Records of a Floating Life offers an intriguing view of society as well as a beautiful love story.


Six Records of a Floating Life
by Shen Fu
Penguin Books
ISBN: 978-0-14-044429-2
Softcover, 171p

Purchased book

Image from Longitude Books.