“The Island of Siliang” is a short story written by renowned Chinese author Shen Congwen. It is a poignant tale that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, set against the backdrop of a remote island in the Yangtze River. The story follows the protagonist, Old Fisherman Wang, as he reminisces about his past and the profound impact of his lost love, Siliang.
The island itself becomes a metaphor for Wang’s isolation and longing. Its isolation mirrors Wang’s own sense of being cut off from the world after losing Siliang. The passage of time is also a significant theme in the story, as Wang reflects on how things have changed over the years since he first met Siliang
