The novel opens with the protagonist's self-confession.
Tips
culture
自白书 (zìbáishū, 'confession letter') is a charged term in modern Chinese history — during the Cultural Revolution, citizens were forced to write them admitting ideological 'errors.' The word still carries that weight in serious contexts.
usage
Two senses: (1) confessing guilt to authorities; (2) baring one's soul/feelings, e.g. 爱的自白 ('a confession of love'). Context disambiguates.
