The idea of waiting, both literally and metaphorically, serves as the novel’s fundamental topic. In order to marry Manna Wu, the person Lin Kong truly loves, he has been waiting more than 18 years to divorce his wife Shuyu. The protagonist of Jin’s story struggles with his responsibilities, society expectations, and personal aspirations. Jin skillfully analyses these inner struggles and tensions.
"Waiting" benefits from Ha Jin’s talent for developing nuanced, relatable characters. Particularly fundamentally flawed yet sympathetic, Lin Kong’s journey is shown with great sincerity.