Nie zi (Crystal Boys, in traditional Chinese, NOT in English)

I read this book in a gay lit class in college and LOVED it. That was before I knew what litchis were. I was engrossed by this book, and hungry for litchis which were so beautifully described, and I'd never tasted. Luckily, I came to California just after finishing the book, in litchi season. It is a beautifully told story, with vivid descriptions. I see other reviewers comment on how accurately it portrays real life, and how the translation affects things. Despite any issues, know that this book is a cultural window--of poverty, culture, gay life. If you like reading books about other cultures, this is a good choice.

I've read the Crystal Boys in Chinese and English. It is a psychological tale about A-Qing and his journey through which he grows and breaks out of his mold. Professor Pai touches on the family dynamics that is quite unfamiliar to the Western society. For Asians, to be cut off from our family is probably the worst thing that could happen to you, especially if you are a guy. It is interesting to note that all the characters in the story hold contradicting characteristics. It also breaks the stereotypes about homosexuals. We see in the book that these boys are really no different than us. They face the problems that we face; poverty, rebellion, and trying to acheive a balance between family expectations and one's own dreams. Sadly, the beauty of Chinese language is lost through translation, but the translators did their best. It is always difficult to express things in another language.I would definitely recommand the English version to those who can't read Chinese. But those who can read Chinese should read the Chinese version. It sets such a melancholy atmospere and takes you into the mind and heart of A-Qing. You can't help but feel as if you are him, experiencing his feelings and his struggles as he fights for his place in the world. P.S. My high school was near New Park, and I can tell you that there are a very intriguing gay culture there. The lotuses are all gone, but the spirit of these Crystal Boys live on.

First i have to say i am a taiwanese,so my english is not well.This book is not only a novel about gay but also one of the best novel in taiwan.The writter,Hsien-Yung Pai,is one of the best writter in taiwan new literature.(I am a little sad about most of american read it just because they thought it is a gay novel.)Most of his novel write about the relation of china and taiwan. There are many benevolence in his article,also in Crystal Boys. Now,New Park had change its name,but Crystal Boys will always be the best novel to everyone.

this book is the top one gay novel (it takes you time to read) from the Chinese world. it vividly presents the gay subcultures in Taipei, Taiwan in 1970s (or 1980s?). to understand the gay subcultures in Taiwan or in Chinese world in general, you cannot ignore this significant work. despite the sensuous cover of the english translation, the book itself is more serious than sexual--though there are many humorous and campy scenes in the book. the author of the book, Prof Pai, who teaches in UCSB, is one of the most well-know person of Belles Lettres from the Chinese world.