The repetitive structure of the plot (quest, then return to the village, quest, etc.) combines with the rhythmic style of the prose to manipulate one's emotions. Reading Bridge of Birds was fulfilling-not only cathartic, but reassuring. In showing us "an ancient China that never was," Barry Hughart embraces the atmosphere of a fable and the kernel of darkness it should contain. There's something seductive about fables and fairy tales-the real, often grim fairy tales that lurk in the subconscious of every culture. I'm starting to get to the age where I'm reading books now and saying, "Why wasn't this published when I was younger?! This is what I've been missing all these years this fills the gap that, until it was filled, I never knew existed!" Although Bridge of Birds was published before I was born, it still provokes a similar feeling (one of, "Why didn't I know about this when I was younger?"). 20-year-old Kara was a precious innocent. I’ll say that I picked up on a lot more of the … uh … sexual stuff this time around. I have little to add about the book itself in this second review-my first review stands. I just knew it would help.Īnd it definitely did. Gosh, has it really been 7 years-nearly 8?-since I read this? Feels like no time at all.Īnyway, after not enjoying Who Fears Death, I was struck with a sudden … craving (?) for this book.
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