The Forest of Rites (work)

*The Forest of Rites* is a novel by Chinese author Bai Hua, set during the Cultural Revolution. It explores the lives of individuals involved in traditional Chinese rituals and ceremonies, emphasizing the tension between cultural heritage and revolutionary ideology. Through personal stories, the work examines themes of tradition, identity, and societal change, illustrating how personal and collective histories intertwine amidst political upheaval. The novel offers a nuanced reflection on the challenges of maintaining cultural practices in a time of radical transformation, highlighting the resilience and complexity of individual experiences during this tumultuous period.