STORY OF THE STONE, THE

Rating:
Summary: As fun as his other novels
Review: (...)

Once again Hughart takes us on a fun and cleverly written journey through Chinese culture and legends. He really goes overboard this time, leading the reader through all the levels of hell and back again. I didn't find this story quite as endearing as the first, but still very intelligently written and thoroughly researched.

With the exception of Number Ten Ox, there is not one character in this book that is not eccentric and out-of-this-world odd. I think that is what makes the book so charming. You know that each person you meet is going to have more than just a minor character flaw, and will certainly be endowed with bigger than life blemishes and imperfections.

As with his first novel, this one is often written in such a fast-paced manner that I found myself re-reading sections to figure out what had taken place. I wouldn't say that's a major fault, though, and perhaps it's just my slow brain trying to keep up.

The book follows a classic mystery format, where clues throughout the tale are all explained at the end. But it's not Holmes pacing the floor of his den in the last chapter, explaining it all to Watson; it's done in a way that all makes sense, with the explanations fitting very well into the storyline.

I should make mention of something that I think is a major flaw in this book. The character Moon Boy is as peculiar as the rest, and with one exception, I thought of him as a quaint, likable and humorous addition to the group. That exception is his pedophilia. To have a pedophile as a minor character in a novel is not a problem, and you may call me old fashioned, but to have that person be a major character, and to treat his actions as humorous and almost acceptable, in my opinion is inappropriate. I don't think pedophilia is something to be laughed at and treated so lightly. However, Hughart displayed this character with the accompanying flaws of bestiality and other unrestrained passions, so to include all these traits in one character is probably not too far off the mark. With that said, I definitely wouldn't recommend this book for young readers.

Rating:
Summary: Master Li and Number Tex Ox do it again!
Review:

I am Barry Hughart's number one fan.

With that said, I recommend this book without reservation. In fact, any book involving Hughart's alter-ego, Master Li, and Hughart's young hero, Number Ten Ox, would be high on my "must read" list.

I just re-read this tale of a mad prince and his array of fascinating characters and was just as enchanted and entertained as I was the first time I read it in ten years ago.

If you're looking for a wonder-filled story with character that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, read this book!

You can also do yourself a huge favor by purchasing "Bridge of Birds" and "Eight Skilled Gentlemen," the only other Master Li/Number Ten Ox adventures. "Bridge of Birds" was Hughart's first effort and the book introduces the reader to Master Li...the most interesting character is all of fiction.....

After all, how can you NOT love someone who introduces himself by saying:

"My surname isLi and my personal name is Kao, and there is a slight flaw in my character"?

The people at amazon.com are masters at locating the "difficult to find" books on their site. Order this book....and then, read and enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: A little too much like the first book
Review: If you haven't yet read the first Master Li and Number Ten Ox book, Bridge of Birds, go read it now; it's quite good. If you've already read it and want more of the same, then the Story of the Stone may slake your thirst. Be warned, however, that this iteration borrows more than just the two protagonists and the style of the first novel. Without giving too much away, too many of the plot twists from Bridge of Birds made it into the Story of the Stone. At the same time, this second novel lacks some of the grandeur and scope of the first. It's still not a bad read, though.