Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart was the 45th official Sword and Laser Book Club selection.
Reading period: Feb 1, 2013 - Feb 28, 2013
How/Why was this book chosen:
Was chosen because it received a positive response from club members after Aarons white board review of it.
Sword & Laser Goodreads Group Discussion of Bridge of Birds
Sword & Laser Podcasts and Videos: Kick Off: S&L Video 25 Check In: S&L 120 S&L 121
Wrap Up: S&L Video 28
Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart[]
When the children of his village were struck with a mysterious illness, Number Ten Ox sought a wiseman to save them. He found master Li Kao, a scholar with a slight flaw in his character. Together, they set out to find the Great Root of Power, the only possible cure.
The quest led them to a host of truly memorable characters, multiple wonders, incredible adventures—and strange coincidences, which were really not coincidences at all. And it involved them in an ancient crime that still perturbed the serenity of Heaven. Simply and charmingly told, this is a wry tale, a sly tale, and a story of wisdom delightfully askew. Once read, its marvels and beauty will not easily fade from the mind.
The author claims that this is a novel of an ancient China that never was. But, oh…it should have been!