Fantasy Book Club discussion
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Bridge of Birds
Books of the Month: 2016
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Nov 2016 *Bridge of Birds* Roll Call/Initial Impression
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Brenda ╰☆╮
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Nov 01, 2016 09:11AM
Who will be reading Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart?
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I'm in!!!I had time to kill while waiting for this group read to start, so I did some digging around on Barry Hughart. Here's the link to a brief interview that was conducted in the year 2000: http://www.barryhughart.org/interview...
And a real treat from the same website...[drum roll]:
"Barry Hughart has generously allowed us to publish online the original draft of his 1985 World Fantasy Award winning novel Bridge of Birds. This draft, written years before the final published version, includes episodes that later appeared in all 3 of Hughart's Master Li novels. However, there are major differences; for instance, in this draft, Master Li is nineteen years old, and Number Ten Ox only makes a brief appearance as a village idiot!"
Here's the link to the original draft: http://www.barryhughart.org/bobdraft/...
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I had time to kill while waiting for this group read to start, so I did some digging around on Barry Hughart. Here's the link to a brief interview that was conducted in the year 2000: ht..."
I'm in also. Great info Monica! Thanks.
Thanks Monica!It's not very often you can find info on the author, but I love investigating.
You're welcome. I'm intrigued by how the original draft will compare with the final published story we're reading. The book begins with Number Ten Ox as the narrator and, according to the description, in the draft he has only a minor role; an interesting change in POV.
It's amazing how writers' plans can change.
Mary wrote: "It's amazing how writers' plans can change."From reading the interview (link in msg 2) the author sounds like quite a character. I'm wondering how much of the radical shift came from him vs the editor/publisher. I'll read the original draft after I finish the published book.
A few years ago I started hearing people talking about this book, which I had never heard of previously. I finally tracked down a copy and was blown away. The language and world and pace completely swept me up and I just disappeared into this ancient China that never was. I love how the story keeps moving forward with seemingly random connections that unexpectedly become significant. Great storytelling.
Tad wrote : I love how the story keeps moving forward with seemingly random connections that unexpectedly become significant
Absolutely, it's like a puzzle with a billion pieces and everything is needed to see the final picture.
Tad wrote: "A few years ago I started hearing people talking about this book, which I had never heard of previously. I finally tracked down a copy and was blown away. The language and world and pace completely..."Tad, good to know it was so enjoyable overall. It seems to be a book that stuck with you over the years. At first glance, it is a very different/unusual story, but the writing style suits it.
Anyone who has read it, please feel free to jump in on the spoiler thread to add your thoughts.
I'm totally getting a kick out of this one, so far. Just had a little girl born 2 days ago, so hopefully will be able to keep reading and finish this one with the crew.
Congrats on the new baby, Ed. Jump in whenever you can.
