Bridge Of Birds

Bridge of Birds (1986) – Barry Hughart
Corgi | ISBN: 9780552126465
Condition: Good | Sold by Crappy Old Books

China. An ancient land of emperors, philosophers, dragons, magnificent temples and bureaucracies so elaborate that even the gods occasionally seem to require official permission before doing anything useful. Add a few thousand years of mythology, some spectacularly eccentric characters and a healthy disregard for the laws of probability, and you have the ingredients for one of fantasy literature’s most gloriously entertaining adventures.

Welcome to Bridge of Birds, Barry Hughart’s extraordinary novel of mystery, magic and mischief, set in what the author delightfully describes as an ancient China that never was.

Our heroes are an unlikely pair. Number Ten Ox is a strong, honest and rather straightforward young peasant whose principal qualifications for adventure are his considerable physical strength and an admirable capacity for surviving situations that would defeat more sophisticated individuals. His companion is Li Kao, an elderly scholar and detective of formidable intelligence who cheerfully admits to having a slight flaw in his character.

As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that this flaw may be rather more significant than the word slight traditionally implies.

The adventure begins when the children of Number Ten Ox’s village fall victim to a mysterious illness, leaving them trapped in a strange, seemingly lifeless condition. Desperate to save them, Ox seeks the assistance of Master Li, setting in motion an extraordinary quest involving ancient legends, forgotten crimes, supernatural mysteries and the search for a seemingly impossible cure.

Their journey takes them through a wonderfully imaginative landscape populated by corrupt officials, eccentric aristocrats, dangerous villains, mysterious women and creatures whose existence would probably cause considerable distress to a conventional zoologist.

Hughart blends Chinese folklore, detective fiction, fantasy and outrageous comedy into a narrative that is simultaneously intricate, absurd and unexpectedly moving. His characters negotiate impossible puzzles, uncover ancient secrets and encounter enough deception to make an imperial tax collector look like a model of honesty.

The relationship between Ox and Master Li is particularly delightful. One possesses strength and uncomplicated decency, while the other relies upon cunning, scholarship, alcohol and an impressive willingness to exploit the weaknesses of practically everybody they meet. Together, they form a partnership that proves intelligence and muscle can be remarkably effective when neither insists upon working alone.

Originally published in 1984, Bridge of Birds won the World Fantasy Award and became a cult favourite, admired for its inventiveness, exuberant storytelling and affectionate use of Chinese mythological traditions. It is the first of Hughart’s novels featuring Master Li and Number Ten Ox, and a magnificent introduction to their extraordinary world.

This 1986 Corgi paperback, offered in Good condition by Crappy Old Books, is a splendid addition to any collection of imaginative fantasy, particularly for readers who enjoy Terry Pratchett, mythological adventures and mysteries that require considerably more than simply identifying who stole the silverware.

A wonderfully eccentric tale of friendship, wisdom, greed, love and the extraordinary lengths people will go to when confronted with a seemingly impossible problem.

And proof that when travelling through a magical ancient China filled with dangerous spirits and dishonest officials, the most valuable travelling companion may be an elderly scholar with a drinking problem and a slight flaw in his character.

Although a very large axe might also come in handy.

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