Interwoven with the historical characters are ancient mythological ones in a blend of wonder, courage, and suspense. Amidst this, the Chinese determination to preserve their culture was heroic and saved precious historical treasures at great sacrifice. 'The Library of Legends is a beautifully written story of a pivotal period in the making of modern China: when the invading Japanese, the Nationalist, and Communist parties all vied for supremacy. Lisa See, New York Times bestselling author of The Island of Sea Women and Snow Flower and the Secret Fan Janie Chang has beautifully melded history and the spirit world to create an adventurous love story for all of us readers who love books and who, in a perfect world, would do anything to save them.' I was entranced by the magical spirits, immortals, and fox spirits who accompany them.

'There are many historical novels that begin in China in 1937 when the Japanese invade, but Janie Chang has found a new and fascinating story to tell about the university students and faculty who trekked hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles to escape the Japanese while preserving not just China’s best minds but also China’s most precious books. This revelation comes with profound consequences, for as the ancient books travel across China, they awaken immortals and guardian spirits who embark on an exodus of their own, one that will change the country’s fate forever.īased on true events, rich in Chinese history and lore, The Library of Legends is both an illuminating exploration of China’s recent past and an evocative tale of love, sacrifice, and the extraordinary power of storytelling.

Accompanied by Shao and the enigmatic maidservant Sparrow, Lian makes her way to Shanghai, hoping to reunite with her mother.ĭuring the journey, Lian learns of the connection between her two companions and a tale from the Library of Legends, The Willow Star and the Prince. But after one classmate is murdered and another arrested, Lian realizes she must escape from the convoy before a family secret puts her in danger. Lian finds friendship and a cautious romance with the handsome and wealthy Liu Shaoming. Her family’s past has made Lian wary of forming attachments, but the students’ common duty to safeguard the Library of Legends forms unexpected bonds. And it is not just the refugees who are at risk Lian and her classmates have been entrusted with a priceless treasure: a 500-year-old collection of myths and folklore known as the Library of Legends. Lian and a convoy of students, faculty and staff must walk 1,000 miles to the safety of China’s western provinces, a journey marred by the constant threat of aerial attack. When Japanese bombs begin falling on the city of Nanking, nineteen-year-old Hu Lian and her classmates at Minghua University are ordered to flee. “Myths are the darkest and brightest incarnations of who we are.

The library of legends