I think Jin's novels are somewhat more sophisticated than those of Tolkien. Beyond telling stories of good vs evil, Jin used historical settings to explore deep

I think Jin's novels are somewhat more sophisticated than those of Tolkien. Beyond telling stories of good vs evil, Jin used historical settings to explore deeper subjects, such as the twist of fate in Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and the insanity of Chinese Cultural Revolution in the Smiling, Proud Wanderer.