Obituary | Listening to the heart

Chiung Yao taught the Chinese all about romantic love

The bestselling novelist and screenwriter died on December 4th, aged 86

Author Chiung Yao
Photograph: Chiung Yao/Facebook

“So we must break up?” he asked her. “Yes,” she said. His face darkened, and he jammed on the brakes. The car screeched to a halt. Without warning, he flung the door open. “Then get out!” he cried. They were on a narrow mountain road, with desolate wilderness all around. Did he really mean to abandon her? But as soon as she left he slammed the door, revved up the engine and aimed for the cliff-edge. Instinctively, she hurled herself onto the bonnet to save him. At the very edge, he stopped and got out. As she almost slid off, into the abyss, he pulled her into his arms.

Explore more

This article appeared in the Obituary section of the print edition under the headline “Chiung Yao”

From the January 11th 2025 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition
Imam Muhsin Hendricks at Masjadul Ghurbhh mosque in Cape Town, South Africa

Muhsin Hendricks fought homophobia with the Koran

The world’s first openly gay imam was shot dead on February 15th, aged 57

Food writer and photographer Pableaux Johnson in New Orleans

Pableaux Johnson, peerless host and chronicler of New Orleans

The photographer, cook and food writer died on January 26th, aged 59


Donald Shoup beside a parking meter

Donald Shoup knew how to get cities going

The parking-and-traffic expert died on February 6th, aged 86


Marianne Faithfull battled labels all her life

The singer and icon of the 1960s died on January 30th, aged 78

Mauro Morandi needed to abandon consumer society

The hermit-guardian of Italy’s loveliest beach died on January 3rd, aged 85

David Lynch mesmerised filmgoers with mystery, beauty and horror

America’s strangest and most surreal film-maker died on January 16th, aged 78