SWEET AND SOUR: Tales From China

by Carol & Yao-wen Li Kendall ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1979

Kendall and Li acknowledge in an introduction that no principle guided their selection of tales except their own enjoyment. This touchstone proves a reliable one, and to add to readers' pleasure the authors also know how to tell a story. Some of these are only joke tales of a page or so, but they are good ones, well delivered. The tales of cleverness (and there are many among the 24 brief, brisk selections) are really clever, sure to elicit appreciative laughter at the well-timed end. The tone is predominantly light, though a few romantic tales turn up (a snail maiden's betrayal; a girl's betrothal to a loyal stallion), and many make unobtrusive points while poking fun. With some effort, say the compilers, they camp up with one tale of a courageous and independent maiden; and ""The Serpent Slayer,"" which comes closest to stating a moral, well rewards the search. Forget the unfortunate title; you won't find ginger this fresh at a chop suey joint.

Pub Date: March 1, 1979

ISBN: 0618752455

Page Count: -

Publisher: Seabury

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1979

Categories: NONFICTION