Beijing Comrades

By Bei Tong

The sensational underground novel of homosexuality in late-1980s China that's been declared one of the most significant Chinese novels of our time" ( The New York Times ).

When Handong, the ruthless, wealthy son of Communist party officials, is introduced to Lan Yu, a naive, working-class architecture student, the attraction between the two young men is instant and all-consuming. Despite their very different lives, they spend their nights together, establishing a deep connection. But when their loyalties are tested, Handong is left questioning his secrets, his choices, and his very identity . . .

Beijing Comrades is the story of a tumultuous love affair set against the sociopolitical unrest of late-eighties China. Due to its depiction of gay sexuality and its critique of the totalitarian government, it was originally published anonymously on an illegal gay-themed website within mainland China.

This riveting and heartbreaking novel quickly developed a cult following, and remains "a meaningful excavation of homophobia and daily life in a rapidly changing China," and "a traditional story of forbidden love in all the most classic, wonderful, and devastating ways" ( Publishers Weekly, starred review).