Jiu Guo

By Mo Yan.

Published January, 2005 by Chunfeng Art and Literature Press

Translated into English as Republic of Wine, by Howard Goldblatt.

When special investigator Ding Gou'er hears persistent rumors that there is cannibalism in the province called the Republic of Wine, he goes to learn the truth. Beginning at the Mount Luo Coal Mine, he meets Diamond Jin, legendary for his capacity to hold his liquor and fondness for young human flesh. A banquet is served during which the special investigator, by meal's end in an alcohol-induced stupor, loses all sense of reality.