I found the historical context both moving, but also understandable and easy to follow because it was shown from the eyes of a small few. How many soldiers traveling to the front lines died within a matter of days. That the International Settlements, especially in Shanghai, were practically overrun (as it was the only place the Japanese didn’t dare take over). The feeling of living in constant dread that a bomb might fall in an instant and kill a person. The books shows the tough travels of the students, but also the immense poverty throughout China because of many people losing their homes due of the Japanese invasion. Minghua 123 was indeed a group of university students and faculty who transported the “Library of Legends” to safety. The historical context is perhaps the best part of the book. Even the ending I was really pleased with, as I kept expecting the book to take so many different turns than it did. Despite it having a massive array of background characters, the few basic main characters kept the narrative easy to follow and each background character was developed enough to make them feel real.
Usually I think books of this length could have been edited down more, but I wouldn’t take a single scene out of this one. I’m surprised that the book is 400 pages, because I felt like I whizzed through it. I loved this book! The lush historical detail, the moving character stories, the hope in dark times, the fantasy elements mixed with reality, and the mix between mystery, romance, and fantasy. Together they must brave the darkness of war and myth as the gods awake and the fate of a nation is changed forever. With them travel Hu Lian, a young woman desperate to find out if her mother is alive, and Liu Shaoming, a wealthy young man with a mysterious maidservant named Sparrow. It follows Minghua University students who are ordered to leave the city of Nanking in 1937 as the Japanese army approaches, moving inland while carrying precious ancient mythical folklore texts known collectively as the Library of Legends. Synopsis: Set in the 1930’s, this lush historical novel draws on the dark history of the Japanese invasion of China and Chinese mythology. I’m gushing…sorry, let’s take a step back. Whatever the case, this book ticked all the boxes for things I like in books. This may simply because of my immense interest in learning about Chinese history, or my interest in mythology. I am so happy I was able to read it because this book may be my new favorite book released this year that I’ve read–so far.
This book is a mix between history and fantasy, and was released a little over a month ago.
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