Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was

Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was
Bridge of Birds A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was
Author: Barry Hughart
ISBN-13: 9780345321381
ISBN-10: 0345321383
Publication Date: 4/12/1985
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 4.2/5 Stars.
 52

4.2 stars, based on 52 ratings
Publisher: Del Rey
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

7 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Advertisement avatar reviewed Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was on
Helpful Score: 4
This is one of my very favorite fantasy novels, one of the few title that I actively collect in order to give away to friends who haven't read it yet. If there is a copy available here, grab it before I do!

The other books by Hughart are also quite good, though I think "Story of the Stone" isn't quite as good as "Bridge of Birds", and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen" isn't quite as good as "Story of the Stone".
-veggiemama- avatar reviewed Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
"Lyrical" is the best term for this book. As a friend and Chinese scholar said to me, "it reads like people *think* classical Chinese literature should read."

This is the first and best of the three books by Hughart. The other two work, but the format is what makes the books what they are (a giant, Karmic circle) and the surprise of the first is never quite the same after that. The other two are still good reads, but nothing tops this one.
reviewed Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the best book. I found it hard to start, but once I gave it a chance I couldn't put it down. Mr. Hughart does a excellent job creating charaters and making this book fun.
reviewed Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was on
Helpful Score: 1
Really enjoyed reading this contemporary Chinese myth. Every character receives justice in the end in a very clever way.
deltatiger avatar reviewed Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was on + 74 more book reviews
This is a wonderful book! Funny and moving and delightful, and just a joy to read. If you have ever enjoyed a fantasy novel, you should not miss this book.
sonjamp avatar reviewed Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was on + 25 more book reviews
I loved this book. I read it to my children (ages 12 and 14 at the time) and they loved it -- and were so disappointed to find that Hughart only published three books, this one and two others with the same characters. The book is filled with a rather cerebral humor that word-lovers would enjoy.
reviewed Bridge of Birds : A Novel of an Ancient China That Never Was on + 113 more book reviews
A novel of an ancient China that never was,