Bridge of birds

a novelof an ancient China that never was

by
No cover

Bridge of birds (1984, Century)

248 pages

English language

Published Jan. 5, 1984 by Century.

OCLC Number:
12505649

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5 stars (1 review)

A fictional work of a China that never was. Chinoiserie.

4 editions

reviewed Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart

Magical, witty, funny...a very special book indeed

5 stars

This the first of three books in the "Master Li and Number Ten Ox" series, and it won the World Fantasy Award in 1985. Set in "an ancient China that never was", it's the story of a young peasant man who's as strong as an ox, and an ancient sage with a slight flaw in his character. It draws on Chinese folk tales and history, as well as a bit of Sherlock Holmes. It's a mystery with magic, humor, adventure, and it's simply mind-blowing.

This one one of those books that people ask to borrow and never return.