A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was (The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox)

This is a wonderful and little-known novel. I had never heard of Barry Hughart until I picked up this book, and I would have never bought the book except for the fact there were blurbs in it from Ursula Le Guin and the Christian Science Monitor. Since this book was written in 1984, why, I wondered, had I never heard of the author? It's probably because he's written so few books and is so reclusive. Having said that, I am very glad I picked up this book. It's one of the funniest things I've ever read. There were times I started laughing and could not stop. Most of the humor is deadpan, although some of it is a bit too broad and forced for my taste. But that's very little. Overall the book is very, very good. Most of the novel has a light, magical touch, and the ending is wonderful and uplifting. In some ways it's not a novel, but a series of connected short stories around a common plot, that of a village whose children have fallen into comas through poisoning. The unlikely heroes are an enormously strong ox of a man and what appears to be a drunken wizard over 100 years ago (whose sign, outside his shop, is that of a half-closed eye with the lettering, "Part of the truth revealed. Some things I see, but other things I don't.") This is a book that should be better-known than it is. You'll like it, I guarantee.

When the children of a village are accidentally poisoned, Number Ten Ox (a tenth son who is strong as an ox) sets out to buy information from a learned sage. He discovers that his 3000 copper coins do not go far and has to settle for Li Kao, a seer with "A slight flaw in his character." However, the irreverent and cynical Li is just what the doctor ordered, and the two set off on a quest for the "Great Root of Power."
The quest takes them through a fantasy China that resembles actual China in the same way as Tolkien's lands resemble Europe. For example, ghosts and gods are real and interact directly with living mortals, the wisest man in the world actually can make you immortal (and invulnerable), etc. This mystical backdrop is filled with fun and interesting characters - each one a fully-developed and unique individual. This is important, as the characters keep reappearing in what can only be called "directed coincidence."
There are scenes of bone-chilling violence (why do people insist it is suitable for children?), tender romance, sex, drugs, and if there is no rock 'n' roll, it's only because it hadn't been invented yet (we get a bell-chorus instead). In short, this book has it all, and the tale is told in a lyrical and very funny way that's sure to keep you entertained from page 1 to the end.

Barry Hughart's Bridge of Birds is a beautiful fantasy of ancient China, a wonderfully complex and satisfying tale of a peasant village whose children are struck by a mysterious plague. Number Ten Ox undertakes a mission for his village to find a wiseman to save the children and finds Li Kao, a scholar with a "slight flaw in his character." Together they quest for a cure but discover a greater design behind the mission that turns into a battle between immortals over the missing Princess of Birds.

Ox and Li encounter an invisible giant hand, an immortal and evil emperor, a labyrinth of death (several in fact), ghosts, ingenious scams, and people who are far, far more than what they appear.

I love the story for many reasons. The story is wonderfully complex, but everything is so neatly tied up at the end, everything makes sense. There are moments where you will find yourself laughing and other scenes of such poignancy you will wipe a tear from your eye. And of course, it is all wrapped up in the wonderful land of ancient China where magic and the marvelous have always walked hand-in-hand.

I strongly recommend Bridge of Birds.

Much thanks to the many the store.com devotees who pointed the way for me to find this gem. I surely wouldn't have found it otherwise. And that would have been most unfortunate since this is one of the most enjoyable reads I've had.

"Bridge of Birds" is a fantasy tale of Li Kao's and Number Ten Ox's quest for the Great Root of Power to save the village's children who are dying from a mysterious illness. Like Odysseus' journey home their trek traverses the breadth and depth of China's mythical landscape and folklore while engaging some of the most fascinating, humorous and irresistible characters along the way. Throw in a wonderful ending and you have a complete novel that radiates charm, wit, humor and a range of human emotions. Kudos to author Barry Hughart whose marvelous penmanship kept the characters alive and the plot flowing in a seamless manner.

It is a real pity that this fantastic novel hasn't found a wider audience. Perhaps with some luck "Bridge of Birds" will experience a much deserved revival that will keep it from vanishing off library and bookstore shelves. Meanwhile, read it for yourself and you, too, will earnestly recommend it to all your friends as I have.

I first found the little book, Bridge of Birds, in 1984. It instantly became my favorite. Although it's an obscure title by a non-prolific author named Barry Hughart, it's worth the time, I promise.
The children of a small village in ancient China are put under an evil spell and it's up to a young man from the village (Number Ten Ox) to find someone to break the spell and free the children. Number Ten Ox enlists the assistance of an ancient gentlemen who introduces himself like this: "My surname is Li and my given name is Kao, and there's a slight flaw in my character."
The story follows Number Ten Ox and Li Kao across China as they search for the exact part of the root that will set the children free. In a whole lifetime of reading, I've not found a story that moved me more than "Bridge of Birds." Intertwined with the quest for the magic root is a heart-breaking tale of the Princess of Birds, her beloved Shepherd of the Stars and three faithless handmaidens.
This story is wonderful for children and adults and no one I've ever recommended it to has been disappointed. The only puzzlement to me is whey this story was missed-catalogued with science fiction. It's nothing like sci-fi at all. "Bridge of Birds" is a wonderful, funny, heart-warming tour of "an ancient China that never was."

This novel is half riddle, half fairy-tale, and half historical fantasy.

"But that's three halves."

It's an extraordinary book!

I loved this book while I was reading it, and I loved having read it after I was done. It's one of those books whose every detail (or at least almost every detail) comes back to have some importance to the plot. It's charming, clever, endearing, fun, and more than a little bit heroic. That's a lot to achieve in less than 300 pages, but Barry Hughart manages it somehow. One of the most rewarding and enjoyable reads I've had in a while.

When a crazy scheme to rob Chinese peasants of their silk harvest leaves the village children poisoned, Lu Yu, known as Number Ten Ox sets off on a journey to find a cure. Most of the wise men in Peking refuse to help him for what the village can afford, but one sage, Li Kao, agrees to help. Li Kao recognizes the problem but the cure is a different matter--and sets Ten Ox and Li Kao in an epic journey that pits them against monsters, a money-hungry Duke, and an ancient legend of Ginsen and Gods.
BRIDGE OF BIRDS was author Barry Hughart's first novel and it does start a bit slowly. Once it gets going, however, it becomes a fascinating adventure, a humorous story, and a thoughtful look at humanity and human obsession. It took me days to get through this book, not because it isn't interesting, but because it is so full. It took me a bit of recovery time to launch myself into the next adventure. By the way, there's also a bit of a mystery. See if you can figure it out before Li Kao and Ten Ox.
Hughart creates a different kind of fantasy. The protagonists aren't powerful warriors, but a peasant and an alcoholic sage. Their quest doesn't start out as saving the world from evil, but saving some children from the evil acts of a couple of misers. But the book's subtle power sucked me in, made me care about the characters and the story, and made me think that I was actually seeing something about the world for the first time.
Too heavy? Okay, the book is also a laugh. It's a series of unfortunate events in an adult style. I like this book a lot.

Purely wonderful Enchanting, whimsiical, entertaining. To be read over and over and over again.

So, normally, if you've read any of my other reviews, you know this is the part where all that criticism comes, right? There's nothing wrong with it though. Everything is just so perfect. So unique. Never a book like it in history.

It's based on the systems of China...the culture of China, but with a unique creative twist that doesn't leave you bored or uninterested. It reads quick...all the better to read it several more times in a row! You'd be hard pressed to find anything you didn't like about this book. The only way you wouldn't like it is...is...is...if you absolutely despise fiction and fantasy. People who read cookbooks for fun woulcn't like this novel...but then again, they might...

This is not a book for young children. I'll repeat that. NOT FOR YOUNG KIDS, or anyone below the age of 11. As I said before, I'm hard pressed to find anything I don't like about this, and honestly, just trying to is an insult. And I'm not lying.

i cannot believe i had never heard of this book. i was browsing through the store, saw it, saw the reviews, and thought, it can't be that bad. little did i know that it was going to be one of the best books i have ever read. light and whimsical, yet at the same time deeply tragic, yet at the same time full of hope and life, i really loved this book! it is one of those plots where random events are soon seen to be not so random, you soon realize that everything happening is important, and then at the end you say "ohhh now i get it" and realize that the author is a genius for being able to construct such a great plot. if all the book had going for it was plot then it would still be a classic but the characters are fantastic. everyone is loveable, i even loved the "bad guys." this book is well worth its price and after reading it you to will wonder why you have never heard of this book.

"Bridge of Birds" is the most effective, most moving fantasy novel I have read since John Crowley's "Engine Summer." Set in (to use the publisher's blurb) "an ancient China that never was," this is at least on the surface the tale of Number Ten Ox, a young man from a rural village who sets out with Master Li, a scholar and sage with "a slight flaw in his character," on a quest for the "great root of power," the only medicine of sufficient potency to cure the village children of a case of ku poisoning. As the story unfolds and these two characters experience adventures enough to fill many novels (one can imagine Tor or some other publisher spinning out these yarns by the tens a la Conan if they got a hold of the publishing rights), their quest begins to intertwine with another one, relating to an ancient wrong done to a goddess.
More details would be superfluous, for there is simply no substitute for reading this book. The culture and characters described here are fully realized (writers of doorstop-sized fantasy novels, such as Robert Jordan, could take object lessons from Hughart in how to tell a large story succinctly), and the overall atmosphere that this novel achieves is that of the finest kind of fable, although I would not necessarily recommend it for young children. Hughart spices his narrative throughout with a liberal dose of humor; I found myself laughing aloud many times as I read along. If there is a flaw to be found here, I failed to see it. This is as good as fantasy gets--one of the few novels that merits the adjective "magical."

Admittedly, I picked this book up because I liked the cover. I had never heard of it, or Barry Hughart before, but I proceeded to read it within a couple months and I was very surprised. I've never read anything quite like it before. Master Li has got to be one of my favorite characters ever, and he made me laugh out loud with his "slight flaw in my character" introduction to everybody. I went on to read the Story of the Stone which I did not enjoy as much, but all the characters in this book were so likable, that at the end I almost had a kind of nostalgia for missing them, and the only other book that has invoked that kind of feeling for me is The Lord of the Rings. You do not need to know anything about China, or have a liking for things Chinese to enjoy this beautifully written book. Just sit back and enjoy the lyrical writing.

Not your typical fantasy story, but more of a revisionist historical novel set in a "fantasy" setting...what makes this novel so amazing are the characters - Master Li, Number Ten, and literally every single person they come across in their epic journey. My one flaw is with Number Ten Ox, the narrator. Of all the characters in the story, both male and female...he comes across as the weakest. I never truly felt like I got his character as much as the others. But other than that, I loved this book!! The Duke of Ch'In, the Man in the Mountain, Jade Pearl, Miser Shen...so many hilarious and memorable characters that aid and deter our leads on their journey of finding the Great Root of Power!!!! Great book!!

Everyone else has already described this book perfectly. It's a wonderful story! One of my favorite books ever. It is a combination mystery, historical fiction, and fantasy, but no matter which genre you prefer, you're sure to love Bridge of Birds. Take my advice, and the advice of all these other reviewers, and read it! The ending is so surprising (you know... the duke of Ch'in...) I would never have guessed. This is one of those books that sticks in your mind for a long time after you've finished it, comparable to the His Dark Materials books. Those books are my favorite books ever, so for Bridge of Birds to be comparable to them, it has to be good! I was so glad to see that there are two sequels. I only hope I'll be able to find them at the library.

Bridge of Birds is an epic of outrageous proportion but Hughart writes with such a light and airy touch that you cannot help but laugh aloud at the absurd occurrences. The book is very funny, right down to the names of the characters, but the plot still captivates at a much deeper level than you would expect. It is not as simple and straightforward as you might believe upon reading the first few chapters (the tale takes many twists and becomes quite entangled as the book progresses). Underneath the humor, there is also a darker tale whose horror blends with the laughter to create an interesting mood as you read the book. The book centers around many themes of Chinese mythology and it is clear that Hughart had a deep fascination with it. Bridge of Birds is one of the funniest books I have ever read, but its worth does not lie wholly in its comic effect and I will no doubt read it again sometime.

I think my local library did the right thing. They classified this book under the fiction section.
Seriously, this is NOT your ordinary everyday book. Usually, I scoff at any book that's less than 500 pages. However, I really have to tip my hat to Mr. Hughart. Folklore, mystery, suspense, comedy and the everything else, all packed into this book. "Bridge of Bird" kept me interested and reading till the very end. . . very few authors have actually managed to keep my attention till the end. Hughart has done this.
If you want a sound investment, this is it. I seriously encourage you to get this book before it goes out of print (like his other books).

This book is a pure treat. From the innocent, wide-eyed, big-hearted narrative voice of Number Ten Ox, to the creative problem-solving of Master Li, this novel charms the reader from beginning to end. Although billed as a novel of "an ancient China that never was" Hughart did excellent research in creating the world through which Ox and Master Li travel. This is a great romp, with a serious background theme (the imperiling of the narrator's village), and a climactic revelation that adds to the moving sweep of the story. Enter the novel as Ox begins his story without knowing what will unfold and let him guide you through the tale -- you won't be disappointed.

When I first started to read this book, it seemed a little slow. But I've learned over the years that some books (and usually the best ones!) take a little more 'setting up' than others. This book was certainly NOT a disappointment! It quickly turned into one of those books you simply CANNOT, for the life of you, put down! And want to read again and again. I gave it away thru [...] and have since purchased it again several times, and given those away too. Just so others could have the pleasure of reading it! It could very well be the most beautiful, engrossing story I've ever read.

WOW!!! This book is unlike anything I've ever read! It's funny, mysterious, witty & engaging!! I recommend it to all readers. You will be amazed.
I'm not going to say much about the story 'cause I don't want to spoil the mystery & fun!
It's about a young man named Number Ten Ox, who goes on a quest to find a cure for a mysterious illness affecting the children of his village! He seeks Master Li Kao, a wise man with a slight flaw in his character!! they go on a journey full of adventure, mystery & much more!! The story is set in fictional Ancient China.
It is totally unpredictable , Go get the book & read it!

I've seen several reviews from readers lauding Bridge of Birds as one of their all-time favorites. That's notable praise so I grabbed a copy for myself as I have liked similar books. The writing is superb, easily lyrical, and the first couple of chapters hinted at a world in need of exploring. I wanted more. And then after a while I just lost interest and eventually put it down. I thought Master Li a compelling character with curious quirks, and Number Ten Ox held his own around him. Even still, I just couldn't connect with the story.

If in the future I cross paths again with Bridge of Birds, and perhaps something surreal happens like the book springing from a shelf in front of me, I'll consider it a sign that I gave up too easily the first time and give another go.

This story is truly unique. Most fantasies draw on medieval Europe and classical mythology for their context; this one derives from the usually-unexplored realm of Chinese history and folklore. Astoundingly tight in style and still breathtakingly descriptive, it shows Hughart's massive literary talent and the thoroughness of his background research. The sequels, Story of the Stone and Eight Skilled Gentlemen, are equally superb. Write to the publishers if you love these stories; the latter two are out of print, and the author says many more are yet unwritten due to lack of interest. Long Live Li Kao and Lu Yu!

These charming stories deserve a much wider audience. Funny, witty, and nicely paced, the book reads more like a series of short stories, so it works well if you're looking for something to read periodically in a few quiet moments.

After reading all the glowing reviews below, what new thing can I add or say? This is an absolutely fantastic book that will make you think, laugh and perhaps even cry; but I think mostly laugh. A hilarious and fast paced ride through a China that could never be but is so well documented and described that you cannot help but wish it were and just about believe. I can only say; read this book or you will have missed a truely wonderful experience! Try to find and read his two sequels, Story of the Stone and The Eight Skilled Gentleman. They are both good but this one is the best. (in my humble opinion

In China, the children of a small village are struck by a strange illness. Lu Yu, better known as Number Ten Ox, goes to the city to seek help. In a dingy alleyway he finds Li Kao, an old sage with a "slight flaw in his character." Together they race across the land in an attempt to find a cure called the Great Root of Power, which is said to be a variant of ginseng. But the story is not as simple as that; reuniting lovers, avenging wrongs, and helping themselves to the riches of others, Number Ten Ox and Li Kao reveal a larger conspiracy that's as far reaching as the heavens themselves. Gods and men alike have their problems as we follow Number Ten Ox and Li Kao on their travels.

The main reason I picked up this book was because of this quote:

"Oh great and mighty Master Li, pray impart to me the Secret of Wisdom!"
"Take a large bowl. Fill it with equal measures of fact, fantasy, history, mythology, science, superstition, logic, and lunacy. Darken
the mixture with bitter tears, brighten it with howls of laughter, toss in three thousand years of civilization, bellow kan pei--which
means 'dry cup'--and drink to the dregs."
"And I will be wise?"
"Better. You will be Chinese."

And the book gets even better. Being Chinese, I was a little skeptical about how the mythology and writing style would be done, but my skepticism was quickly swept away by the story. The style is just like the old stories I used to read when I was younger, and the mythology is entwined with the tale very well. I can't recommend this book enough; heck, look at the star rating, it's got FIVE freakin' stars on average. Even if you don't know anything about Chinese mythological tales or anything like that, it doesn't matter because the book is self contained; any tale they mention is usually explained eventually by Number Ten Ox in the story. Also, many of the tales they mention are somewhat altered versions of real legends, such as the Cowherder and the Weaver Goddess, and the Dream of the Red Chamber.

This book is a great read, and I insist that you pick up a copy and read it yourself.

This wonderful book really opened my mind to the heart and magic of seeing the true spirit of the people around us, appreciating the beauty of people's lovingness and soul. Although he can be quite cynical, the author really communicates sincerity and compassion through characters who somewhat mystically and magically (albeit accidentally on the narrrator's part) resolve bewildering situations to everyone's satisfaction... a beautifully written book to make one laugh uproariously and cry... although this is fiction, this book depicts such love and humanity... I'm so grateful to my friend who gave this book to me for my birthday....!!!!

This extraordinary novel mixes Chinese mythology with a detective story in beautiful imagery. The adventures of an ancient scholar, Master Li and his assistant,Number Ten Ox are filled with ghosts, demons, gods and goddesses, poets,priests, and villians of magnificent proportions. How Ten Ox and Master Li sought to save a village's children from a mysterious, deadly sleeping plague is a panoramic, soaring vision of an ancient China filled with magic, mystery, and mayhem. I have two sets of the three Master Li novels, one for lending and one kept secure at home for rereading. I cannot believe this wonderful story is out of print. Find it if you can and be prepared for a truly amazing glimpse into a China that leaves one wistfully hoping that even a small part of it could be true.

Reclusive author Barry Hughart wrote a trilogy of 'Master Li' fantasies, and as far as I can determine, never published anything else. But what a trilogy this is! The first installment, "Bridge of Birds" was co-winner (with Robert Holdstock's "Mythago Wood") of the 1994 World Fantasy Award, and also won the 1986 Mythopoeic Award. The final two books in the 'Master Li' trilogy are "The Story of the Stone," and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen."

This fantasy of an ancient China that (alas) never was could almost have been written by Patricia McKillip, except for the dollops of raucous humor that spice up the shining fairy tale. But the beauty and wonder of McKillip's fantasies are here, as viewed through the smoke of an opium dream.

Here are the two main characters in their own words:

"My family is quite undistinguished, and since I am the tenth of my father's sons and rather strong I am usually referred to as Number Ten Ox."

"My surname is Li and my personal name is Kao, and there is a slight flaw in my character," says the drunken old man who, seventy-eight years past "had been awarded first place among all the scholars of China."

(In the first draft of this book, Master Li was nineteen years old, and Number Ten Ox only made a brief appearance as a village idiot!)

This unlikely pair sets out to rescue a village of children who lie in poisoned comas brought about by the greedy village pawnbrokers, Fang and Ma the Grub.

Master Li and Number Ten Ox learn that they must find the Great Root of Power (the Mother of All Ginseng) in order to save the children, but as with all quests, there are many obstacles along the way, including murderous monks, a bandit called Cut-Off-Their-Balls Wang, and an ex-Imperial concubine called The Ancestress, who poisoned the emperor and bankrupted the empire "by decreeing that every leaf that fell in her imperial pleasure garden must be replaced by an artificial leaf fashioned from the costliest silk." But they are all minor villains compared to the tiger-masked, immortal Duke of Ch'in. He is so evil he manages to upset the balance of Heaven, which Master Li and Number Ten Ox must restore before they can save poisoned children.

This might sound like a complicated plot, but your imagination will be so happily reveling in the exotic settings, the oddball characters, and the stories within stories, that it will seem like you're skimming through this book, as easily as Master Li and Number Ten Ox skim across the ancient Chinese landscape (that never was) in their Bamboo Dragonfly.

I discovered Barry Hughart's work a few years ago when I took a chance and bought an omnibus of all three books (no longer available) and devoured them within 3 days. "Bridge of Birds" is written so beautifully that it is hard to describe. It meshes fantasy, romance, history (one that never was but should have been), mythology and a detective story so seamlessly that it is hard to imagine that someone, some "human", could have written such a beautiful tale. It seems to me a gift from the gods and Mr. Hughart has surely been privy to their own tales to bring us such a perfect specimen. His characters at first seem stereotypical but soon bloom into complex personalities-often using small stories within the story itself to explain them. Master Li is the quintessential wise man who almost seems a demi-god. But his flaws are so in tune with his character and the interactions of other characters (such as his faithful, innocent client/companion Number Ten Ox) that, even in adversity, the words and story flow, connect and shimmer like liquid mercury. The hope and belief that the gods and goddesses walk among us is strengthened by this gem of a book and I, for one, could not be more pleased. I highly recommend not only this book but the other two Mr. Hughart has written (with equal artistry) to anyone who needs their soul to be uplifted and their minds challenged. I'm also writing a plea to Mr. Hughart (last seen in Tucson, AZ, where I live): MORE! I beg you! MORE!

I read this book at the recommendation of a friend, who said it was the best book he had ever read. I read it and was astonished that it is now in at least the top 10 of the over 5000 books I have read. The story is well-crafted and hilarious.
The only problem I had with this book was that several scenes in it caused me to hysterically laugh aloud. Because of this, I would advise anyone reading this book to stay beyond the reach of people in white coats. It is the funniest book I've ever read. You think the Hitchhiker's Guide trilogy was funny? It's SOMBER compared to this. Believe me, you will not be disappointed. The usage of repetition is so incredibly good, the internal voice amazingly consistent...find this book. Whatever it takes, find it and buy it. NOW.

This book is a combination of folk tale, mystery, and extended comedy routines. Number 10 Ox is sent to find a learned scholar who can solve the mystery of why a plague has hit the young children in his village. He ends up with Master Li, a brilliant drunken scoundrely Confucian scholar, and they go on a quest throughout China to solve a mystery, find a mythical creature and possibly help out some gods. Wonderful, charming and funny. I can not recommend this enough.

What can I say about this wonderful book that others haven't already said? I laughed so loud while reading this that people on the bus edged away from me. I forced by spouse to listen while I read pages aloud. In places, I had to put the book down I was so overcome by tears. I read until 3:00 a.m. because the quest was so exciting I couldn't fall asleep until I knew what happened. I leant my first copy to a friend who never returned it. I bought another copy, and then leant it to another friend (who also never returned it). I then bought two more copies, one to keep and one to lend out. I've given it to people for gifts. In the last 15 years, I must have read this book 10 times. After we moved, I had a yearning to read about Master Li and Number Ten Ox again, and was heartbroken when, once again, I found I had leant my last copy. For my birthday, my husband just gave me a very nice hardback edition, with instructions to purchase 10 used paperback copies to "lend" out to friends. The best book I've ever read.

This week, two people told me Bridge of Birds was their favorite book ever. One, I had just leant it to, a mid-60s carpenter, former marine biologist, who refuses to return it to me because he has to read it 2 more times before he does! The other, a woman I haven't seen in eight years, the former room-mate of an ex-girlfriend, says (via a mutual friend) "Thanks for lending it to me way back then...(sorry I never gave it back)." *MY* review: simply delightful! And then at some point in the midst of delight, of humor, of pure joy, you realize that heaven itself has a stake in the matter, and True Love is on the line, and crimes throughout eternity must be rectified, and you realize, only after it's happened, that your heart has been broken, and then mended again.

Okay, enough waxing poetical -- enjoy!

This unusual book about seventh century China is a strange combination of historical novel, adventure, mystery, fantasy, fairy tale, and myth, with the best attributes of each genre. It is crammed with colorful characters and wonderful bits of folklore.

At first, I wasn't sure I liked the book. The pacing seemed a bit off, and some key story elements were so subtle and oblique that I had to re-read passages to make sure I understood what what going on. I also found the killing of one of the minor characters to be cold and incredible (as in "not credible"). However, I stuck with the story, and it really started to grow on me. The pace picked up, the story became far more involved, and the ending was stunningly beautiful. In short, I'm really glad I read it. I'll definitely be trying another of Hughart's books.

This may sound repetative, if you've been reading other reviews in this section, but this is an incredibly good book. Barry Hugart uses pieces of chinese mythology to craft a fantasy which feels exotic to our western ears, but which is positively spellbinding. It appeals to all ages, on many different levels. It reminds me of "The Princess Bride" (the BOOK, not the movie). It ranks as one of my 4 favorite books of all.

Today I started radiation treatments; the cancer has metastasized from my remaining lung to my brain. Tonight I finished rereading Bridge Of Birds.
There are tears of joy in my eyes again, and a smile that stretches like the moon on my face. I've burst out laughing at least once a day since I returned to the Ancient China That Never Was. Not an escape from, but a release through, Life.
And I had forgotten such beautiful little things here: the black pearl with the white star, and Pawnbroker Fang's mother the cow, and how "the moon was playing tag with fingers of cloud", and a trail of honey. Not to mention Mouse, and Ah Chen, and Doctor Death, and Henpecked Ho, and (with a surprising nod to Damon Runyon) the "major-domo" named Liverlips Loo.
Believe me, and the rest of us here. BUY THIS BOOK. Buy two copies, because you will lend it, and it won't come back. This is one of those wonderful surprises that you will hold to your heart forever. Follow the dragon, and the birds will fly..

This is a delightful book. The characters and story are strong, the oriental setting is refreshing and nicely created, and it is the funniest book I've read since "Confederacy of Dunces". The middle section I think is not quite as good as the wonderful beginning and ending sections. The only major complaint I have is that the idiot publishers seem to have let the sequels go out of print.

If you are after an interesting and rather hilarious modern Chinese tale, look no further. The plot is rich, twisted and anything but predictable, the characters complex and the language is excellent. You will find that the carefully controlled journey and narrative elements are pleasantly woven together with cultural mannerisms and a little black comedy to form a unput-down-able read. Barry Hughart has plenty of potential as a great fantasy writer, raising him to the ranks of Michael Moorcock and Terry Pratchett. Enjoyable, easy to read and entertaining, there are no lulls in the book, the characters and plot are both interesting and entertaining. This book is a must for a Birthday/Christmas present, pleasing those who enjoy fantasy, comedy and folklore.

My best-friend loaned me her tattered copy of this novel and insisted that I read it. I have a passion for all things ancient and Asian, so naturally this novel picqued my interest.

In a nutshell, this book completely enraptured me. It has EVERYTHING one could want in a book -- romance, comedy, terror, mystery and unique, memorable, lovable characters. Hughart is a master of imagery and story-telling, interwining fables and history with an incredible fantasy that's completely his own.

Bridge of Birds deserves be counted among the greatest novels ever written.

Imagine 'Crouching Tiger' wrapped up in 'A Princess's Bride', and you get 'Bridge of Birds: A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was.' In fact this book *could* have been written a thousand years ago by a Chinese sage with a wacky sense of humor, and the book tries very hard to give you that feeling. Scattered throught the book are references to Chinese mythology, but that doesn't mean you have to have a masters degree in that subject to understand it. The book's plot is smooth, following the adventures of Number Ten Ox and Li Kao as they search for the great ginseg root of power. Now I'm sure that sounds riveting, *yawn*, but because this is just a summary, I can't give too many details or jokes. What I can say is that if you liked Princess Bride, you'll love this book. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, well hey, you've read this far. You could probably just come to my house and borrow it. Cheers!

This intelligent fantasy is populated with some of the most interesting characters in literature. The story is complex, but so well developed that it is a pleasure to follow.
Sadly, Mr. Hughart's other two novels are currently out of print. It is to be hoped that current sales of _Bridge_of_Birds_ will encourage publishers to reissue and publish other works by Mr. Hughart.

I picked this up because it was a "staff favorite" in the science fiction department at a local store. Hughart's book, however, could not be further from science fiction, and I am even loathe to call it fantasy. His description, "a novel of an Ancient China that Never Was" seems to sum it up best. I am no student of China, but everything he refers to that I have checked up on seems authentic (rulers, dynasties, etc.) It is almost as if the author gets into the mindset of a 7th c. Chinese scholar Master Li (as well as his client and then assistant, Number Ten Ox); the supernatural (and the supranatural) are treated as if they were as real as the "natural" world. Gods and goddesses are not only invoked, they occasionally show up for real -- even the August Personage of Jade makes an appearance or two. It's simply impossible to describe the charm and fascination of Hughart's books, but they are the real thing, and got me interested in an area and period I never expected to be interested in. As soon as I read Bridge of Birds, I searched out and read his other two books. My one regret is that he didn't write any more of these charming tales.

This novel is considered a modern fantasy classic. For some reason, when it first came out it couldn't hold my interest. However, on a recent re-reading of the book I can see why so many people love it. It's full of people of character, tragedy, wonder and ancient evil deeds and a detective story to boot. It really is a fairy tale - a clever story that gradually winds to a wonderful happy ending. If you want something light, amusing and clever to read then this book fulfils all those needs easily and is a nice way to spend a day or two.

I bought this originally from a small bookstore that offered a money back guarantee - if you didn't like it, return it for a full refund. They only made the offer on this one title, and I'm told they NEVER had to pay off on it!
Master Li, the ancient sage 'with a slight flaw in his character' is hired by Number Ten Ox to find the cure for the mysterious sickness that has affected all the children of his village. Traveling throughout 'an ancient China that never was' the pair meet such memorable characters as Ma the Grub, Henpecked Ho, Fainting Maid, and the most ruthless tyrant to ever walk the land. Liberally sprinkled with bawdiness, philosophy, adventure and the odd murder, this is simply a great read!
Buy it, even without a money-back guarantee!

This is simply a marvelous tale, told well. I first read it more than 15 years ago and have reread it every few years since then to great enjoyment. Master Li and Ox are, of course the main stars; but the smaller characters will also make you care about them. Laughter, tears, and a great story: what more can one ask for?

Barry Hughart shows the reader how it's possible to rescue
the gods and save the world, all while trying to get a really
important task accomplished. This book is compelling from
the first page to the very end and will tempt you to read
it again and again. I give copies of this book to all my
friends.

This series of books is probably the greatest set I have read since the Narnia series. A rare find in a book is being able to see as well as read what is going on between the pages. With these books my imagination has always come alive. I am kind of upset that the other two books in this series are out of print. I am glad that between my sister and I, we have all 3. I really wish that more of this series could be written.

This book had a very strong stylistic feel to it. This was entertaining at first, but eventually the novelty of such a strong style wore off, and I found the plot to be lacking for me. The story is written in first person, and it presented as the narrator telling an ancient epic story. There were lots of side steps in the story to present background on people, places or things being done. But once you get past that, there wasn't really much story. By about a quarter of the way in, we'd learned all about the history of the village, of some of the people in the village, and of the traditions of silkworm farmers. But not much had happened. I enjoy a strong writing style, but only if there is decent story progression as well.

For readers who enjoy taking in the scenery as much as they enjoy seeing where they're going, this may be a highly enjoyable book.

with the confident jauntiness of a tall tale, the Bridge of Birds unfolds a tale of wonder, pathos, and humor. From parragraph to paragraph, the reader cannot predict the course of the novel because it defies convention. It's a fantasy! It's a detective story! It's fall on the floor funny!
Bridge of Birds has a place in my top ten.

The most wonderful and amusing book I have read in a long time. I am still smiling at the thought of what i have just read and that is what drives me to write my first on-line review ever. This is a book that we should all aspire to write because it teaches us what we can do, or dream, despite our 'flaws'. Indeed, a small flaw in our character can be a wonderful thing if we would just stop dwelling on it and get on with the matter at hand.
That said, I am mortified that the second book is out of print and that the series will not be completed. If anybody has ever wept at the burning of a book u will appreciate my sense of loss. We are being robbed of a truely great voice!
Mr Hughart, please continue!

IMHO, this book is a cross between "Snow Crash" and "Lord of Light" (I don't mean that in a negative way: I just happened to read these two prior to reading Bridge of Birds), in that it is as fast-paced as the former and as epic and poetic as the latter. Extremely entertaining!

Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart is a modestly entertaining novel, by turns amusing and dull as a textbook. With the author's tendency to grossly underplay certain story elements, it is simultaneously simplistic and confounding. I suppose an optimist could look at these traits and say to himself, "This is a book that works on many levels." Being a pessimist, I'm afraid I fall under the, "This is a book that can't decide what it wants to be."

Ostensibly this is a book about Lu Yu, nicknamed Number Ten Ox, who travels from his rural town to the big city to engage a wise man to return with him and cure the village's children of a deadly sleeping sickness (fortunately the sickness is not so deadly that the heros cannot fart around for a year or so before actually helping the sick children). The only wise man willing to work for the paltry sum offered by Number 10 Ox is Li Kao, a twinkly-eyed old drunk who has the perplexing ability to con anyone out of vast sums of money (putting into question his insistence on sleeping on the floor in a dirty old tenement in the first place). The cure takes the two on a romp through a mythical old China peopled with the kind of moronic rubes found in all fairy tales - those greedy and stupid enough to hand over their money just because someone tells them they'll be receiving some magic beans and a donkey that poops gold coins.

Hughart stretches this hoary old chestnut within an inch of its elasticity as Master Li and Ox wander from city to city collecting bits of the Great Root of Power in order to effect the cure. But at times it appears that the only real purpose in doing all this traveling is to get Number 10 Ox laid, for he winds up in bed with a woman in every town. I expect this was meant to be amusing, but eventually became merely tedious.

I am not generally prudish, but I found myself startled by the astounding amount of violence in this book. Couched in amusing anecdotes and twinkly narrative are hundreds upon hundreds of murders enacted by or caused by the two "heros". I could see in many cases that the doomed characters deserved their fate, but not all.

Bridge of Birds has its moments, but I didn't find it to be the gem of which so many reviewers wrote. Still, I liked it enough that if I come across the sequels, I will surely read them, but I won't be traipsing hundreds of leagues, murdering everyone who gets in my way, to find them. I may not even cross the street.