Wolf Disaster at Pig's Belly Well
Author: Xue Mo
Translators: Howard Goldblatt and Sylvia Li-chun Lin
ISBN: 978-1-80589-000-3Paperback
Pages: 248
Publishing date: 31st March 2025
About the Book:
"Wolf Disaster at Pig's Belly Well" is an unforgettable story that blends the timeless charm of a fable with profound philosophical depth. Esteemed Chinese author Xue Mo transports readers to the sweeping deserts of Western China, where the lives of wolves, herders, and the fragile ecosystem are intricately intertwined.
With vivid imagery and masterful storytelling, Xue Mo portrays a world where animals reflect human virtues and flaws—courage, loyalty, and resilience alongside greed and conflict. The narrative explores the dynamic relationships between humans and animals, highlighting moments of rivalry, collaboration, and the unspoken bonds that sustain life in an unforgiving landscape. At its core, the story delves into universal themes of ecological balance, ethical challenges, and the ongoing tension between survival and coexistence.
Tailored for both middle-grade readers and adults, this book appeals to a wide range of audiences—from environmental advocates and educators to literary enthusiasts who value culturally meaningful and thought-provoking fiction. Xue Mo’s storytelling is an invitation to reflect on the natural world’s beauty and the lessons it holds for humanity.
Whether you are a young reader discovering new worlds or an adult seeking a meaningful narrative about humanity's connection to nature, "Wolf Disaster at Pig's Belly Well" offers a deeply resonant experience. This is a story that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, providing wisdom and inspiration for all who encounter it.
Content:
Preface
Chapter One Into the Belly Of the Desert
Chapter Two Herders and Sheep
Chapter Three Mengzi , Harelip’s Woman and Wolves
Chapter Four Mother Wolf Gray and Little Blind One
Chapter Five Seeking Vengeance, Gray Marched On
Chapter Six Disaster at Pig’s Belly Well
Chapter Seven A Distant Gunshot Echoed Through the Air
Chapter Eight Herdsmen's Life At Night
Chapter Nine Farewell to Zhang Wu
Chapter Ten Herders' Conflict
Chapter Eleven The Battle Commenced In the Desert
Afterwards
About the Author:
Xue Mo ranked NO.1 in the shortlist of topics in international media during the 2022 Frankfurt Book Fair, becoming the most talked-about figure. Xue Mo, a prominent contemporary Chinese literary writer, his works have been translated into more than 30 languages and published by renowned publishers worldwide. His latest books, “Into the Desert” and “Kurses of the Kingdom of Xixia”, have been awarded the 2024 NYC Big Book Award. At the same time, Into the Desert also won the 2024 Independent Publishing Award in the United States. Logan Crawford, an Emmy award-winning anchor and talk show host, commented, Into the Desert illuminates love and hope, portraying the shared destiny of two village women determined to break free from extreme poverty and tradition. As a Chinese proverb says, “Women hold up half the sky”
