Abstract: Yu Xiaowei is a novelist with the consciousness of tragedy, whose novels always display his persistent thinking about human, life and destiny. Absurdity is the key word of his works, for it is the cause as well as the conclusion of his creation: he finds the pervasiveness and irresistibility of absurdity while examining both the history and reality. His narration of humans in absurdity highlights the value of life and existence, and reveals the meaning of life instead of expressing tragedy only. Besides, his passion of exploration enables him to extend his art feelers deeply, which shows his sober rationality as a writer.

Key words: Yu Xiaowei, contemporary fiction, absurdity, history, philosophical interpretation, tragic consciousness