The Library of Legends

I read a LOT of books, but rarely write reviews- but when I saw this book didn’t have many reviews yet- I felt I had to write one. This was the absolute perfect Quarantine book (or bad day book really). It sucks you in immediately and you become absorbed into its rich & immersive world. As you’ve probably read, it is set in China during WW2- so there is a nice sense of “learning” about history & culture. It also has an element of magic & fantasy, which I think adds to the immersive characteristics. There is a bit of suspense & mystery with a few twists and turns…as well as a romance. Basically all of the elements work together to give you a well- rounded book that will keep you intrigued – keeping you uplifted with added substance. I enjoyed it so much, that I’m getting ready to download another of the author’s books now.

I have now read all Ms. Changs books. I loved Three Souls & Dragon Springs Road. But The Library of Legends has blown me away. I can’t explain why my heart feels broken open. I know this book is part real life story part legend. But it is ALL very real to me. The Dieties being called home & having to choose between staying on Earth or returning home just shredded my heart. The sense of desolation it evokes as humanity is left here to fend for itself. I realize the state of the world as it currently is plays a big part in my intense reaction. The madness & chaos of today juxtaposed with this novel of the horrible suffering during the China Sino war. Of the recognition of the importance of knowledge & the great sacrifices made to preserve it. Ms. Chang has written a masterpiece. I wish to honor both her father & Uncle for their part in the preservation of knowledge.
You can read this book as a simple tale or you can look deeper & be transformed.

I loved this book! I was fascinated to learn about a period of history I had known little about, the Sino-Japanese War of 1937, which is richly depicted in this novel. It also portrays the emergence of Communist China. With its beautifully depicted scenes and characters, its story woven with mysticism and Chinese lore throughout, it takes you on an unforgettable journey like the fictional one of the novel. I highly recommend it.

In Janie Chang’s he Library of Legends, history and mysticism are perfectly entwined. When a group of Chinese students flee their university in advance of the Japanese invasion in 1937, they carry with them the priceless 500 year old collection of myths and folklore called “The Library of Legends”.

Running through this gripping tale like silver thread through a rich tapestry is another exodus — the gods are leaving earth. I found myself sighing with pleasure over Chang’s exquisite descriptions of these Immortals, who appear in their true form only to certain humans.

The students face all of the expected dangers of their pilgrimage, but another threat comes from within: there has been an infiltration of political spies determined to stamp out the spread of communism among China’s youth.

An enchanting, compelling work of historical fiction, The Library of Legends is an absolute treasure.

What if the legends you heard all your life were true? What if war caused the immortal characters of those tales to give up on humanity? Would anyone notice? Would anyone care?

This story, based on true events in Chinese history, examines these questions. A group of college students with their professor are tasked with protecting the original collection of books containing legends of the immortals and deities protecting and living in China. Due to the war with a Japan, these immortals decide its is time to leave. The story follows one student, Lian, as she struggles to survive on the universitys trek to inland China while dealing with family secrets and the profound knowledge of the immortals exodus.

I thought this story was beautifully written (if a little rushed at the end). The characters were well developed. Knowing nothing of a Chinese history, I found the book to be very interesting and informative. This is a book I would definitely recommend to others!

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