44 pages • 1 hour read
Shen FuSix Records of a Floating Life
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1809A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Six Records of a Floating Life by Shen Fu is a partially autobiographical narrative detailing the experiences of a Qing Dynasty individual. Through six distinct records, the text explores themes of love, friendship, and societal customs, providing intimate insights into Shen Fu's life with his wife, Yun, and their shared joys and challenges.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Six Records of a Floating Life by Shen Fu is praised for its vivid, intimate portrayal of 18th-century Chinese life and rich emotional depth. Readers appreciate its poetic prose and cultural insights. However, some find its structure fragmented due to incomplete records. Overall, it offers a unique glimpse into personal and historical narratives, balancing beauty with melancholy.
Who Should Read Six Records of a Floating Life?
A reader who enjoys Six Records of a Floating Life by Shen Fu is likely captivated by historical memoirs and Chinese culture. Fans of The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon or Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin will appreciate its intimate glimpse into Qing Dynasty domestic life and personal reflections on art, love, and society.