WHAT THEY SAY

I would put in the list The True Story of Ah Q by Lu Xun. Although it's tragic, I think it is both a wonderful social document for its time, and beautifully and powerfully written by a master who really knew how to construct and write a story as well as how to appeal to human emotions. And it uses irony to very powerful effect.

COLIN MACKERRAS, Australian Sinologist

The Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki might have been included since it is considered the first novel in the world tradition.

MARK S. FERRARA, associate professor at the State University of New York

The list, like all lists that compare works of art, should be seen more as fun fodder for discussion than important critical judgment. It's just one subjective judgment among others. Yu Hua's To Live also could legitimately be included on such a list.

CARLIN ROMANO, visiting professor at Peking University and author of America the Philosophical