Quick Take

In the valley of Sorrows, a monk is brutally murdered for a worthless manuscript, and the abbot of the humble monastery calls upon Master Li and Number Ten Ox to investigate the seemingly senseless killing. The most likely suspect is the infamous Laughing Prince, founder of the valley, whose murderous frenzies have made him a legend. But even Master Li must concede that the prince has a pretty good alibi: he's been dead for more than seven hundred years.Undaunted, Master Li and Number Ten Ox begin their search for the Laughing Prince. Together they roam a mystical countryside populated by demons, ghosts, murderers, and mad kings to the very gates of heaven itself -- and what they find there is even stranger still.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Story of the Stone (The Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox, #2)

Introduction

"The Story of the Stone" by Barry Hughart is the second book in the "Chronicles of Master Li and Number Ten Ox" series. It follows the adventures of Master Li and Number Ten Ox as they investigate a murder in a mystical countryside filled with demons, ghosts, and murderers. This book is a blend of fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction, set in ancient China. In this article, we will explore the author's background, analyze readers' views, and provide reasons for both recommending and not recommending this book.

About Barry Hughart

Barry Hughart was an American author known for his unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction. He was educated at Phillips Academy (Andover) and attended Columbia University where he obtained a bachelor's degree. Hughart served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960 before working with TechTop, a military surplus company based in Asia, from 1960 to 1965. He lived in Tucson, Arizona until his death in 2019 at the age of 85. Hughart's writing style is characterized by his vivid descriptions and ability to create memorable characters.

Analysis of Views

Vibrant Characters: Readers appreciate the well-developed characters in "The Story of the Stone," particularly Moon Boy and Grief of Dawn. Their vivid portrayal adds depth to the story and keeps readers engaged.
Mysterious Plot: The mystery element in this book is a major draw for readers. The plot is intricate and keeps readers guessing until the end. The combination of historical references, mythology, and a murder mystery creates a captivating reading experience.
Journey to Hell: The journey to Hell in this book is a highlight for many readers. It is described as a real experience rather than just a drug trip, making it a unique and memorable aspect of the story.
Humor: The humor in "The Story of the Stone" is well-received by readers. The interactions between Master Li and Number Ten Ox are often described as hilarious and entertaining.
Cultural References: The book incorporates Chinese history, mythology, and culture, which adds depth and authenticity to the story. Readers appreciate the blend of fantasy and historical elements.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Characters: The well-developed characters in "The Story of the Stone" make the book enjoyable to read. Moon Boy and Grief of Dawn are particularly memorable and add depth to the story.
Mysterious Plot: The intricate plot keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The combination of historical references, mythology, and a murder mystery creates a captivating reading experience.
Journey to Hell: The journey to Hell is described as a real experience rather than just a drug trip, making it a unique and memorable aspect of the story. It adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Humor: The humor in "The Story of the Stone" is well-received by readers. The interactions between Master Li and Number Ten Ox are often described as hilarious and entertaining, providing lighthearted moments amidst the mystery.
Cultural References: The incorporation of Chinese history, mythology, and culture adds depth and authenticity to the story. Readers appreciate the blend of fantasy and historical elements, which creates a rich reading experience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Character Development: Some readers feel that the characters in "The Story of the Stone" do not develop as much as they did in the first book. They wish for more character growth and development throughout the story.
Predictable Plot: A few readers find the plot of "The Story of the Stone" predictable compared to the first book in the series. They feel that certain aspects of the story are telegraphed from early on, which detracts from the overall reading experience.
Limited Humor: While some readers enjoy the humor in "The Story of the Stone," others find it less amusing than in the first book. They feel that certain jokes fall flat or do not land as well as they did in Bridge of Birds.

Conclusion

"The Story of the Stone" by Barry Hughart is a captivating blend of fantasy, mystery, and historical fiction set in ancient China. Readers appreciate the vibrant characters, intricate plot, journey to Hell, humor, and cultural references found within this book. While some readers feel that certain aspects lack character development or become predictable, overall "The Story of the Stone" offers an engaging reading experience that fans of fantasy and historical fiction will enjoy.