Renowned literary master Wang Dingjun celebrated his 100th birthday by releasing a new traditional Chinese edition book titled “River Melody” and “Four-Hand Duet,” with a banquet held in Flushing, New York on March 30th. Born in 1925, Wang Dingjun has reached the impressive age of one hundred years, yet remains sharp-minded and articulate. In his speech, he displayed the humility and wisdom befitting a master, likening literature to a river and wishing for the eternal flow of talents down its stream.
During his speech, Wang Dingjun held a mobile phone to read out the words he had pre-entered, humbly remarking, “As for writers, I am well aware of my position. My book is called ‘River Melody,’ where literature is likened to a river with education at the source and publication at its destination. Writers hustle at the docks to sell their art, weaving connections far and wide.”
“River Melody” is a selected collection by the contemporary literary giant Wang Dingjun, featuring a compilation of essays and short stories totaling 22 pieces personally chosen by Wang Dingjun. The book includes a preface titled “The Pride of a Writer – Written for Distinguished Public Figure Ding’s Centennial Selected Works” by the respected Taiwanese publisher, Yin Di, of “Wenxun” magazine.
The traditional Chinese edition of “River Melody” was published by the long-standing literary publication “Wenxun” magazine and the prestigious “Erya Publishing House,” which boasts a 50-year history. The chief editor of the book is Feng Deping, who is also the president and chief editor of Wenxun. The book witnessed great success at the Taipei International Book Exhibition in February. Feng Deping also attended the book launch event in New York on the 30th.
Former chairman of the Chinese Public Office and current president of the Donghua Association, Yu Jinshan, delivered a speech stating, “Holding a copy of ‘River Melody’ is like obtaining Ding’s autograph, allowing one to wander through his literary realm and appreciate it slowly.” He emphasized Ding’s longevity and the invaluable care provided by his wife, Wang Dihua, stating, “The credit cannot be solely attributed to Ding but also to his wife, who not only tended to Ding but also nurtured the evergreen tree of the literary world.”
Representatives and members from various organizations such as the New York branch of the Overseas Chinese Association, the New York Chinese Writers Association, the Ninety-Nine Book Club, the World Taiwanese Joint Foundation, and the East Coast Chinese Academic Association participated in the celebratory banquet to honor Wang Dingjun’s remarkable milestone.