Barry Hughart

Bridge of Birds

I have a hard time thinking of any book I have read recently that I have enjoyed as much as Bridge of Birds. Hughart tells the tale of "an ancient China which never was", filled with memorable characters like Number Ten Ox and Li Kao, a "scholar with a slight flaw in his character". Their story is a classic Chinese myth, told in a modern style. I don't mean that the charaters ride motorcycles and speak in slang. ("Hey gnarly old dude!" exclaimed Number Ten Ox. "Can I score some help to save my village?" "Only if it pays enough to get me plowed," mumbled Li Kao.) Hughart tells the story with a casual tone, setting up the clever descriptions and dialogue, with just enough flavor to reminds us this is a Chinese myth. All in all, a superb and thoroughly enjoyable tale. I bought this book at a local bookstore ( The Stars Our Destination ) where the owner offers a money back guarantee that you will enjoy this book, and I would be perfectly comfortable making the same guarantee.