New Books Network Zhou Meisen, "Property of the People" (Sinoist, 2025)
Apr 3, 2026
James Trapp, a professional translator of contemporary Chinese literature, discusses translating Zhou Meisen’s Property of the People. He traces the novel’s sprawling cast and intricate plotting. He talks about rendering Chinese political titles, cultural allusions, and finding the right English voice. He also describes editorial collaboration and unexpected twists he encountered while working on the book.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Guanxi Shapes Corporate Corruption In The Novel
- Zhou Meisen's Property of the People maps corruption through guanxi networks inside a state-owned conglomerate.
- The novel follows one man's downfall and shows how informal obligations and connections drive business and politics in China.
Novel Fits Into China's Recent Anti-Corruption Wave
- The book pairs with a broader anti-corruption moment in China and sits alongside a prior novel In the Name of the People.
- Both novels became successful TV/film adaptations that amplified their themes during Xi Jinping's anti-corruption drive.
Translator Used TV Series And Baidu Chart To Track Cast
- James Trapp dove into the text without pre-reading the entire novel and used the TV series and an online Baidu character chart to keep track.
- He revised as he went, consulting the movable relationship chart when befuddled by the cast.
