Y

Yan Lianke

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 12 Books

4
Series
12
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Lenin's Kisses (2003)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Marrow (1998)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
Start with: The Years, Months, Days (1997)

About Yan Lianke

Yan Lianke is often deemed by scholars and critics to be a prime candidate for the Literature Nobel Prize. Over the years, he has made a reputation for being a versatile and unique Chinese author, known for his tough-minded political stances and his artistry. He is also among the most outspoken and prolific Chinese authors who is masterful with his fiction, as he blends the folkloric, realistic, surrealistic, historical, and supernatural. In his essays and novels, he bravely confronts the problems of China’s political and social history head-on, as he defies present and past government policies in the process. Lianke was born in 1958 in China in a small village in Henan which was so tiny, that it did not even have a library. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Yan Lianke has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Yan Lianke

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
8 books 2003–2023
1

Lenin's Kisses

Lenin's Kisses explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Yan Lianke.

Buy on Amazon
2003
2

Serve the People!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Serve the People!, another outstanding contribution from Yan Lianke.

Buy on Amazon
2005
3

Dream of Ding Village

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Dream of Ding Village, another outstanding contribution from Yan Lianke.

Buy on Amazon
2005
4

The Four Books

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Four Books, another outstanding contribution from Yan Lianke.

Buy on Amazon
2013
5

The Explosion Chronicles

The Explosion Chronicles is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yan Lianke have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2013
6

The Day the Sun Died

The Day the Sun Died continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Yan Lianke's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2015
7

Hard Like Water

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Hard Like Water, another outstanding contribution from Yan Lianke.

Buy on Amazon
2021
8

Heart Sutra

Heart Sutra explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Yan Lianke.

Buy on Amazon
2023
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
1 books 1998–1998
1

Marrow

Marrow is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yan Lianke have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1998
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 1997–1997
1

The Years, Months, Days

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Years, Months, Days, another outstanding contribution from Yan Lianke.

Buy on Amazon
1997
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 2011–2020
1

Discovering Fiction

Discovering Fiction is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yan Lianke have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2011
2

Three Brothers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Three Brothers, another outstanding contribution from Yan Lianke.

Buy on Amazon
2020

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Yan Lianke?

Yan Lianke is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 12 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Short Story Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Yan Lianke series to start with?

For readers new to Yan Lianke's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 8 books. Begin with Lenin's Kisses to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Yan Lianke written?

Yan Lianke has written over 12 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Yan Lianke books in order?

Yes, reading Yan Lianke's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Yan Lianke write in?

Yan Lianke writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 12 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Yan Lianke's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Yan Lianke's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Yan Lianke's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Yan Lianke's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Lenin's Kisses, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.