Decoded by Mai Jia

Decoded

Mai Jia

This ancestral saga in the classic folk-inspired Chinese literary tradition, is both an intriguing glimpse into a different culture and a psychological study of a mathematical genius's obsession with cryptography, leading to madness. As well as a gripping tale of espionage, the surreal elements and use of symbolism can be seen as an allegory for censorship in Communist China, with a secretive all-powerful State monitoring its citizens.

Extract
With respect to those working in cryptography, our collective fate is naturally tied up with various games of chess - especially those with commonplace lives. Finally they will all be seduced by their own wares. It is just like how some people become interested in good works in their old age.
Parallels
  • A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nascar
  • The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu