The Library of Legends is a historical fiction novel written by Janie Chang. Set in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the book follows the journey of a group of university students as they flee from their war-torn city to seek refuge in a distant location. The story intertwines elements of Chinese mythology and folklore, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of identity, love, sacrifice, and the power of storytelling.

The novel begins in 1937 in Nanking (now Nanjing), where the city is under attack by Japanese forces. The main protagonist, Hu Lian, is a young woman studying at Minghua University. As the situation worsens, the university decides to evacuate its students to the safety of the western provinces. Before leaving, they are entrusted with the precious Library of Legends, a collection of ancient Chinese texts and myths believed to possess magical powers.

Hu Lian and her classmates embark on a treacherous journey across war-torn China, facing numerous challenges along the way. They encounter bombings, hunger, and betrayal as they struggle to survive and protect the Library. Throughout their journey, Hu Lian discovers her own connection to the mythical world depicted in the books and learns about her own hidden powers.

As they travel, Hu Lian becomes entangled in a love triangle with two fellow students: Sparrow, a quiet and mysterious young man who possesses his own secrets, and Rulan, Hu Lian’s best friend who is engaged to be married. Their complicated relationships add depth and emotional tension to the story.

The group eventually arrives at their destination, a remote village called Shaanxi. There they encounter local villagers who are also fleeing from the war. The villagers believe that by performing rituals and reciting stories from the Library of Legends, they can protect themselves from harm. This belief in the power of storytelling becomes a central theme throughout the novel.

As tensions rise and the war encroaches on their newfound sanctuary, Hu Lian and her companions must make difficult choices to protect the Library and the people they have come to care for. The climax of the story brings together elements of Chinese mythology and folklore, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Janie Chang’s The Library of Legends is a beautifully written novel that combines historical events with elements of magical realism. Through her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, Chang explores the resilience of the human spirit in times of adversity. The book highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the power of storytelling as a means of survival.

• The Library of Legends

• A Novel
• By: Janie Chang
• Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

China, 1937: As Japanese bombs begin to fall on the city of Nanjing, 19-year-old Hu Lian and her classmates at Minghua University are ordered to flee. Lian and a delegation of more than 100 students, faculty, and staff must walk 1,000 miles to the safety of China’s western provinces, a journey marred by hunger, cold, and constant threat. of air attacks. And it’s not just refugee students 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 Legendary Library. phone.

Her family’s past has made Lian wary of forming attachments, but the students’ shared mission to protect the Library of Legends forms unexpected bonds. Lian finds friendship and a cautious romance with the handsome and rich Liu Shaoming. But after one classmate is murdered and another is arrested, Lian realizes she must escape from the convoy before a family secret puts her in danger. Along with Shao and the mysterious maid Sparrow, Lian sets out for Shanghai in the hope of being reunited with her mother.

Along the way, Lian learns of the connection between her two companions and a story in the Library of Legends, “The Willow Star and the Prince”. Knowing Shao and Sparrow’s true identities forces Lian to confront her feelings for Shao. But there are broader consequences, too, for as ancient books travel across China, they awaken immortals and guardian spirits to begin their own exodus, an exodus that will change. the fate of the country forever.

Based on real events, rich in Chinese history and legend, Library of Legends is both an illuminating exploration of China’s recent past and an evocative tale of love. love, sacrifice and the extraordinary power of storytelling.

This book was extremely well written, fascinating, and well narrated…truly a 5 star listen.

Against a backdrop of war, politics, hardship, poverty, illness and uncertainty, we are gifted with a story about the tenacity of love, optimism, family, and healing. All of it is overlaid with an oddly believable layer of Chinese legend (folklore? Mythology? I’m unsure what to call it). The story is compelling, with various twists and turns, and ultimately quite charming. I was fully invested in the characters as well.

The only difficulty I had was the Chinese names of some of the lesser known locations and some of the characters, but that is my own lack of knowledge, and not the fault of the author or the narrator. If you are looking for extremely in-depth Chinese history, you won’t find it here. Rather, historical events are used as the background for the characters. I found it to be just the right balance.

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