The Library of Legends by Janie Chang

 “The exodus of Chinese universities and middle schools began in 1937, the official start of the Second Sino-Japanese War.” The purpose of schools relocating to China’s interior was about “safeguarding the nation’s intellectual legacy, so necessary for building the future.”

China, 1937. Nineteen-year-old Hu Lian has been studying at Minghua University in Nanking. She comes from a humble family. She is one of only three students awarded scholarship. Now, due to Japanese bombing the city, the students are ordered to flee. Since most of China is illiterate, the university students are valued highly. Men are not allowed to enlist as soldiers. The students are evacuating to a wartime campus in Changtu. A journey which takes 1,000 miles is marked by constant aerial attack. They are also assigned to transport the Library of Legends – valued books of Chinese myths and folklore. Each student carries one book and they are assigned to read the stories as they travel. Even during the war, they continue their lessons, which is very inspiring and I was looking forward to that aspect.

With the myths and folklore, the Gods and fairies come out of the pages of the books the students are reading. I didn’t expect a fantasy aspect in this story, which is brief and I was glad for that as I’m not a fantasy reader. There is one immortal who takes part in the story from the beginning to the end, but she is a guardian spirit. And this actually gives the story a nice touch.

On this long journey, there is plenty of time to get to know other fellow students. Lian recognizes Shao, who comes from a wealthy family and at school was very popular for his good-looks. She develops feelings for him and looks “for signs that might reveal his feelings.” At the same time, she tries to remind herself that they come from very different backgrounds.

I enjoyed both characters, but I wanted to get to know them even better.

When they have longer resting stays for a few days or weeks at one place, they have classes. I was looking forward to those classes exploring their assigned reads. At first, there is just a mention of those classes and later there is more to it. But again, I wished there was even more to those classes, to come through more vividly, adding more texture to this story.

During their journey, they suffer hardship, cold and hunger. But this is more related in words than in action. This is something that I wanted to feel, but didn’t.

The setting of this book during the conflict between China and Japan doesn’t bring the details of that conflict. It’s more a general setting during a war time.

4.5 stars. Overall, it is an enjoyable read with smooth writing. However, vividness could be explored more to create a deeper connection with the characters and what they go through.

Release date: 12 May 2020

Source: William Morrow Publisher