专访｜呼延云谈新作《鬼笑石》的争议：缝合历史的撕裂处

Core Viewpoint - The novel "Gui Xiao Shi" by author Huyan Yun has gained significant attention and acclaim since its publication, intertwining a murder mystery with historical and social themes, reflecting on the lives of individuals affected by the socio-political changes in China over the past fifty years [1][3]. Group 1: Novel Overview - "Gui Xiao Shi" presents a murder case that becomes a long-unsolved mystery, with the narrative spanning fifty years and exploring the lives of those connected to the case [1]. - The book has achieved notable success, ranking second on the popular book list in July 2025 and receiving strong recommendations from various authors and critics [1]. - Readers have described the work as an "epic masterpiece" and a "mystery version of 'To Live'," while some have criticized it for being overly lengthy and convoluted [1]. Group 2: Author's Insights - Huyan Yun's inspiration for the novel stemmed from interviews with veterans of the Heilongjiang Production and Construction Corps, leading to a deeper understanding of their struggles and experiences [4][5]. - The author emphasizes the theme of individuals' distortions and resistance under the pressure of fate, which has evolved throughout his works, culminating in "Gui Xiao Shi" [5][6]. - The narrative structure of the novel is designed to reflect the historical context and societal issues, with a focus on the experiences of the "lost" generation during China's transition from a revolutionary to a reformist era [6][22]. Group 3: Writing Process and Challenges - The writing process for "Gui Xiao Shi" was extensive, taking three years to complete, with the author facing various challenges, including the need for thorough research and the complexity of intertwining multiple narratives [11][12]. - The author utilized a dual narrative structure, alternating between modern and historical perspectives, to enhance reader engagement and create a unique reading experience [15][22]. - The emotional weight of the story led to significant personal challenges for the author, particularly in the final volume, where he experienced intense feelings while resolving the narrative's mysteries [12][24]. Group 4: Thematic Elements and Reader Reception - The novel incorporates various metaphors and social critiques, addressing issues such as the impact of historical events on individual lives and the broader societal implications of crime [17][21]. - Some readers have questioned the necessity of certain narrative elements, suggesting that parts of the story could be omitted without affecting the overall plot, highlighting the tension between traditional and social detective fiction [19][22]. - The author defends the inclusion of historical context, arguing that understanding the past is crucial for comprehending the motivations behind the characters' actions and the unfolding of the plot [22][23].