Author Yu Hua Visits Confucius Institute at University of Milan and Italian Version of His New Book The Seventh Day Released

On the evening of September 14th local time, unusually active atmosphere was felt in the Confucius Classroom at the University of Milano-Bicocca under the Confucius Institute at the University of Milan. It was because the classroom was expecting a special guest. At the invitation of the Confucius Institute at the University of Milan, Italian publishing company La Feltrinelli, and the University of Milano-Bicocca, Chinese famous author Yu Hua came to the “Fashion Capital” Milan to promote the initial release in Europe of the Italian version of his new book The Seventh Day. During the event, Yu Hua freely shared about his literary creation and the evolution of his feelings along the way. He also had interactions and exchanges with the readers, signing and selling his new books to them. Though with a capacity of nearly 400 seats, the Aula Martini hall was full-packed.

Silvia Pozzi (first from left), Yu Hua (second from left), Alessandra Lavagnino (fourth from left)

The guests attending the event included Guan Haibo, Consul of Technology and Education at the Chinese Consulate General in Milan, Fabio Muzi Falconi, representative of La Feltrinelli publishing company, Silvia Pozzi, Associate Professor of the University of Milano-Bicocca and the Italian translator of The Seventh Day, Alessandra Lavagnino, Foreign Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Milan, and Chinese Director Jin Zhigang. Italian official media outlets including La Reppubica, Corriere della Sera, and Il Giorno, as well as media in Milan all vied to report the event.

From Heine to Andrei Konchalovsky, then to his childhood experience, Yu Hua talked about the similarities in literary creation and shared his new book. He stressed that a good author should, first of all, be touched by himself/herself, so that he/she will be able to touch the readers. He was asked by a reader the changes taken place in his mentality after his most famous novel To Live went viral. Yu Hua said, “When I was writing the book, I didn’t expect it would become so popular. It has earned me a wide readership and fame, so I regard it as my ‘lucky book’. Every successful author has a particular ‘lucky book’. As to the changes of mentality, almost everything remains unchanged except that my temper gets worse.” Yu Hua’s humorous and witty responses won him rounds of applause, making the audiences become even more eager to read his new book, and pushing the event to a climax.

Anna Monte, a college student studying Chinese language, said, “When I was learning Chinese several years ago, my Chinese teacher recommended the book To Live to me. It was through this book that I began to develop a strong interest in Chinese culture. As my Chinese continues to improve, I have read all the novels written by Yu Hua so far. I was very excited when I learned that Yu Hua’s new book The Seventh Day would be launched in Italy, so I must not miss Mr. Yu Hua at the university.”

Italian “book fans” bringing with them Yu Hua’s new book and taking photos with him

Francesco Andrea, a professor of literature, is also a fan of Yu Hua. He said, “I have been an ardent fan of Yu Hua for many years and I would read his books many times. His books open a window for me to get to know a country that I have never been to, and expose me to China’s culture and customs. I wish to look for an opportunity to visit China.”

Yu Hua talking warmly with an elder reader

Chinese and Italian students conducting close interactions with Yu Hua

Readers waiting in line for Yu Hua’s signing

Audiences at the event

Jin Zhigang giving an interview to the local media

Staff at the Confucius Institute taking a group photo with Yu Hua

At the welcoming ceremony, Yu Hua and both Chinese and foreign directors of the Confucius Institute at the University of Milan agreed that they will introduce some prestigious Chinese authors to Italy in a planned and step-by-step manner. It is said that the event saw Yu Hua’s first visit to the Confucius Institute where he had close interactions with the teachers and students there. This also marks that, following the visits of such famous Chinese authors as Mo Yan, Yan Lianke, and Liu Zhenyun, the Confucius Institute at the University of Milan has witnessed the visit of another notable and influential Chinese author.

As one of the 12 pilot Cultural Confucius Institutes in the world, the Confucius Institute at the University of Milan is committed to echoing the characteristics of “Cultural Confucius Institute”. It will keep on building platforms and bridges for such exchanges as literature, films, and dramas between China and Italy.