![]() ![]() The Chinese dedication to the preservation of knowledge is woven throughout Chang’s narrative. Like Chang’s fictionized Minghua University, the real-life Zhejiang University housed a 70,000-volume encyclopedia of Chinese literature, Siku Quanshu, and for safety moved the books inland using various modes of transportation, including students. The novel’s historical influence is evident in several real-life events from the fall of Nanking to the Siku Quanshu. Along the way, she uncovers a special connection between the Library of Legends and two of her companions. Knowing she must escape, Lian chooses to travel back to Shanghai in hopes of finding her mother. She soon finds herself at the center of controversy when one student is murdered and another arrested. Throughout the 1000-mile journey, Lian is torn between locating her mother and her duty to her school. ![]() Lian is an introverted scholar fascinated with the historic tomes. A priceless treasure, the Library of Legends brought students far and wide to Minghua, including Hu Lian. They carry with them the Library of Legends, a 147-volume record of myth and folklore from the Ming dynasty, 500 years ago. ![]() Set in 1937 China, the Japanese aerial attacks begin to close in, forcing students at Minghua University to flee from Nanking to Chengtu. In her latest novel, The Library of Legends, Janie Chang blends Chinese history with fantasy elements, adding a dash of romance. Library of Legends by Janie Chang (William Morrow and Co. ![]()
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