23 Quotes by Ha Jin

To witness is to make the truth known, but we must remember that most victims have no voice of their own, and that in bearing witness to their stories we must not appropriate them.

Buddha’s words are everywhere, in every sound of the universe.

He sat down in a corner and ordered half a pound of dumplings, which came in a white bowl with a blue rim. While he was eating, his memory was further revived and sharpened by the familiar taste of the stuffing, made of pork, leeks, cabbage, dried shrimp, ginger, sesame oil. Every bit of the memory became unmistakable now.

Once you’ve done it with him, he won’t abandon you. If he really loves you, if he’s a man with a heart, he’ll follow you wherever you go. If he doesn’t, he isn’t the man you want, is he?

Liya’s letter threw her parents.