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Cover of Crystal Boys
Literary Fiction· Taiwan

Crystal Boys

by Pai Hsien-yung
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1983Chinese
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About This Book

Pai Hsien-yung's Crystal Boys (1983) stands as one of the most significant works of literary fiction of its era. Pai Hsien-yung's 'Crystal Boys' is a groundbreaking novel that explores the lives of gay men in 1970s Taipei. The story follows a group of young men who find solace and identity in each other's company amidst societal rejection. The novel is a seminal work in Taiwanese literature, offering a candid and empathetic portrayal of marginalized communities and contributing significantly to LGBTQ discourse in the Chinese-speaking world. Themes of identity, marginalization, friendship run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPai Hsien-yung
Published1983
Country of Origin🇹🇼 Taiwan
LanguageChinese
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780231128363
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇹🇼 Taiwan

This book is part of Taiwan's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Taiwan →

Editorial Assessment

Pai Hsien-yung published Crystal Boys in 1983, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Taiwan. The book's treatment of identity, marginalization, friendship, societal norms accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Crystal Boys among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes Crystal Boys is how it handles its central concerns — identity, marginalization, friendship, societal norms — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Crystal Boys reflects Pai Hsien-yung's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Taiwan's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

TIME 100 Best Novels
notable · global
20050
✍️
About the Author
Pai Hsien-yung
Taiwan
View Author →

Pai Hsien-yung is a Taiwan author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

Designed to Feel
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Designed to Feel
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“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crystal Boys about?

Pai Hsien-yung's 'Crystal Boys' is a groundbreaking novel that explores the lives of gay men in 1970s Taipei. The story follows a group of young men who find solace and identity in each other's company amidst societal rejection. The novel is a seminal work in Taiwanese literature, offering a candid and empathetic portrayal of marginalized communities and contributing significantly to LGBTQ discourse in the Chinese-speaking world.

Who wrote Crystal Boys?

Crystal Boys was written by Pai Hsien-yung, from Taiwan. First published in 1983.

What awards has Crystal Boys won?

Crystal Boys has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Crystal Boys worth reading?

Crystal Boys is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in identity, marginalization, friendship.

Where can I buy Crystal Boys?

You can buy Crystal Boys on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Crystal Boys?

Crystal Boys is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Crystal Boys from?

Crystal Boys originates from Taiwan's literary tradition. Explore more books from Taiwan on our country page.

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