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Bridge of Birds: A Novel of the Ancient China that Never Was
by Barry Hughart

Bridge of Birds: A Novel of the Ancient China that Never Was Cover

Powells.com Staff Pick

Winner of the World Fantasy Award, Hughart's novel of an ancient China that never was is one of the few fantasy novels I wholeheartedly recommend – and this from someone who doesn't like fantasy fiction. But I could not resist the exciting and humorous adventures of Master Li, a wise old sage with a slight flaw in his character and a weakness for rice wine. His assistant, Number 10 Ox, a strong ernest young man, narrates this tale of their perilous quest to find a root that is the antidote to a poison that threatens to kill the children in Number 10 Ox's village. Hughart's ending is both beautiful and sublime.

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

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....

What Our Readers Are Saying

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Average customer rating based on 3 comments:
Julyemarie, November 4, 2007 (view all comments by Julyemarie)
An excellent read! I could barely put it down! Funny, shocking, amazing writing. The newest addition to my all time favorites list!!
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tsukonik, June 11, 2007 (view all comments by tsukonik)
The quest is almost a cliche in the fantasy genre. Here's one that turns the whole idea onto its ear. In search of a salvation for a village, the heroes find horror, history, humor (laugh out loud funny), and the truth that there is more then just us, there can be justice. A great read.
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JCBunnell, March 12, 2007 (view all comments by JCBunnell)
Many people will tell you this book is exceptionally funny -- and they will be right. Many people will tell you that this book is exceptionally breathtaking -- and they will *also* be right. This is a novel that's one part old-fashioned bedtime story, one part utterly authentic Chinese folk tale, one part Saturday afternoon movie serial (think Indiana Jones crossed with Jackie Chan crossed with "Lord of the Rings" crossed with "The Sting"), and about nine parts sheer genius.
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Product Details

ISBN:
9780345321381
Author:
Hughart, Barry
Publisher:
Del Rey Books
Author:
Hughart, Barry
Location:
New York :
Subject:
General
Subject:
Fiction
Subject:
History
Subject:
Science Fiction - General
Subject:
China
Subject:
Fantasy
Subject:
Historical fiction
Subject:
Fantasy - General
Subject:
China History Fiction.
Series Volume:
C-3660
Publication Date:
April 1985
Binding:
Mass Market Paperbound
Language:
English
Illustrations:
Y
Pages:
278
Dimensions:
6.92x4.25x.80 in. .31 lbs.