18 Cranes

I've spent a couple of years in Asia (although obviously different than the 1600s), and I like this book even though it's a different style than I expected. I enjoyed the author's characters and wanted more of the plot in the end. The author has obvious talent. Recommended.

I really appreciate the free copy for review!

Thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this digital copy of 18 Cranes by Robert Campbell.

This is a really lovely little novella, I read it in a couple of hours.

The story follows Bing as he studies for and sits exams to become a civil servant in 17th century China. During this time, he experiences a recurrent dream about 18 cranes and we follow him as he tries to make sense of this dream.

“I want to tell you of a dream that’s been disturbing my sleep and occupying my thoughts.”- Robert Campbell

The story is interesting, it sets the scene for a potentially great series. I’m looking forward to reading more about Bing.

Bing has spent his whole life studying and preparing for his examinations. He spends time worrying about what he will do with his life if he is to fail the examinations.

“But this was the path to achievement, to recognition, and to power. Any and every alternative was less than best, something that a person settled for, rather than pursued.” – Robert Campbell

You really feel the pressure on Bing, his father is a high ranking government official and there is a romantic subplot that relies on Bing passing his examinations. There is a sense of duty and honour, that Bing’s actions and choices reflect on his family, teachers and even his betrothed and her family.

When he is too anxious to eat, he knows it will make his mother worry, so he eats. When he visits the girl he is engaged to, he is careful to follow the correct customs so as not to dishonour her or her family. There is no room for him to be selfish, a quality that I greatly admire in Asian cultures. It is wonderful to read and a refreshing change from the current trend of self-serving antagonists.

I found it was very engaging, although, as with many novellas, I found I wanted greater depth from the story, it was over too quickly for my liking and although it is part of a series, I would almost prefer it if the whole series were made into one book – purely so I could become immersed and build a greater connection with the characters.

In the same way you might compare the Harry Potter films with the books, the film is enjoyable but lacks so much of the depth of the books. (Just writing that sentence has given me such a strong urge to read my HP books again!) 18 Cranes was very good and I wish it was a full-length book!

17th century China must have been an interesting place and although the structure of the examinations and civil service was explained, and the world was beautifully described, I want to know more!

I enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading the next instalment.

This short novella describes one week in the life of the young student Li Bing who must pass the highly competitive civil service examination in imperial China. The whole family expectation is on his shoulder and even his future marriage depends on passing this week-long grueling examination. The story is beautifully told and the reader can get a good feeling of how Chinese families and tradition worked. The language is elegant but the story is very short; maybe too short?
Nevertheless, while brief it is very enjoyable.