I had the great privilege of sitting down with Xue Mo at this year’s London Book Fair. Xue Mo, formerly known as Chen Kaihong, was born in Liangzhou, Gansu province. Among other positions, Xue Mo is a cultural scholar, China's National First-class Writer, and Vice President of Gansu Writers Association.

Xue Mo’s best known work is his Desert Trilogy. He dedicated 12 years to writing “Desert Rites”, the first novel in the series. It depicts the life of a typical rural family in China’s western provinces during the second half of the twentieth century. After it was published in 2000, Xue Mo became famous overnight. Following the critical and commercial success of “Desert Rites”, Xue Mo wrote “Desert Hunters”, a multi-character fable set around a watering hole known as the ‘Pig’s Belly Well’. The novel examines the conflict between humans and nature in their struggle for survival. The final novel in the trilogy, “White Tiger Pass”, explores the cultural psychology of people living in western China, and focuses around the lives of three women, Lan Lan, Ying and Yue – characters also encountered in his short story collection, “Selected Stories by Xue Mo”.

His works are mainly characterized by the culture of western China and contain the essence of Oriental civilization. He is now focused on the theme of one’s ultimate Transcendence. In our conversation, Xue Mo emphasized that the power of love and wisdom can transform the world.

Our conversation, through his translator, unveiled that readers seek happiness and respect through literature and that more published works can lead to a more balanced world. Xue Mo feels that writing can illuminate societal darkness and that cultural reflections are essential for understanding global issues. Despite widespread violence, hope persists in knowledge. In the end, the continued importance of writing, sharing messages, and engaging in conversations can inspire collective action.

Here is a clip from our conversation:

Ted Olczak: Could you elaborate on your philosophies regarding the relationship between woman and nature? What are the major effects on the world?

Xue Mo: The world is engulfed in violence and conflict. Humanity requires a culture and spirit that transcends mere desires and materialism. We need a nurturing spirit akin to that of a mother, yet women often find themselves without a voice in these matters. The power of discourse in our world predominantly resides with men, who tend to favor violence, authority, and success. Consequently, the prevalence of violence and wars persists.

Through my artistic endeavors, I aspire to awaken the feminine power within individuals. Since a mother would never send her child into battle; conversely, it is often men who take their sons to war. Thus, when the essence of maternal love becomes the prevailing force in society, the light of peace will descend upon the earth. This motivation drives me to write about feminine power—to ignite love within every heart.

When love and wisdom become dominant forces globally, humanity will experience tranquility and happiness. Therefore, much of my writing centers on themes of love and wisdom. My readers are those who do not endorse violence but instead embody compassion and insight. It is my hope that both my readers and the broader world embrace these values—this aspiration was one reason why I go outside of China.

Xue Mo emphasized that there is so much violence in the world, and his message of Love & Wisdom is an important one.

Xue Mo: When human beings are valued by the world, the world will follow it. Although my works are not numerous, they are like a pile of fire in the darkness. When more books are published, we are balanced and the world will become more balanced.

Ted Olczak: I think that's important, just like the 20th century writer Jack London, in The Call of the Wild, tells man against nature, so how we think about that in American terms, his influences in his book and how he thinks, how he reveals the relationship between woman and nature , and bring that out in the article.

CULTURAL REFLECTIONS & GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Ted Olczak: Does he think humans can receive the light of love and wisdom?

Xue Mo's Translator: He thinks they can. 

Xue Mo: Although most of my publications are [fiction], it can light a candle, like a starlight, it can light the darkness [in the] world. 

Ted Olczak: So does Xue Mo feel through his writings that he can show the light and the power of love and wisdom? And his wish to enlighten people, why would cultures see the wisdom in that? Why would people choose [love & wisdom] when there's so much glorification of violence and conflict and it's promoted by leaders in the Western world. How is his message of love and wisdom going to influence that darkness?

Xue Mo: China has excellent culture that has never been able to come out. China's excellent culture has no voice in the world. This kind of discourse power is controlled by the West. But it is like a lighthouse in the dark sea. It cannot dispel the darkness, but it can bring hope. 

HOPE AMIDST DARKNESS

Ted Olczak: Is he fearful of how the current violence is taking over the country? Does he feel that there's hope that people will receive this message? And does he see an event that could change this?

Xue Mo: I can't change the world, but I can change my readers. Since the way we perceive the world through our minds shapes the reality within our mind. When our perspectives shift, the world transforms accordingly. When more of my readers change their minds, their world changes. If everyone becomes a reader and changes their mindset, the world will transform.

Ted Olczak: Knowledge is power. (Translator: You're already changing yourself, ha ha). What's next?

Xue Mo: I will definitely continue to write. And definitely you can influence all the people in your group. Just one light, one candle lighting one candle, light another candle…and we can light the world around us. The world is very dark. But our world is full of light.

Ted Olczak: Let’s light candles together!