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Bridge of Birds A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was Author:Barry Hughart When the children of his village were struck with a mysterious illness, Number Ten Ox found master Li Kao. Together they set out to find the Great Root of Power, the only possible cure, and together they discover adventure and legend, and the power of belief....
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3 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of my very favorite fantasy novels, one of the few title that I actively collect in order to give away to friends who haven't read it yet. If there is a copy available here, grab it before I do!
The other books by Hughart are also quite good, though I think "Story of the Stone" isn't quite as good as "Bridge of Birds", and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen" isn't quite as good as "Story of the Stone".
This is the best book. I found it hard to start, but once I gave it a chance I couldn't put it down. Mr. Hughart does a excellent job creating charaters and making this book fun.
"Lyrical" is the best term for this book. As a friend and Chinese scholar said to me, "it reads like people *think* classical Chinese literature should read."
This is the first and best of the three books by Hughart. The other two work, but the format is what makes the books what they are (a giant, Karmic circle) and the surprise of the first is never quite the same after that. The other two are still good reads, but nothing tops this one.
This is a wonderful book! Funny and moving and delightful, and just a joy to read. If you have ever enjoyed a fantasy novel, you should not miss this book.