The Library of Legends: A Novel

Written by Janie Chang

Narrated by Emily Woo Zeller

“The Library of Legends is a gorgeous, poetic journey threaded with mist and magic about a group from a Chinese university who take to the road to escape the Japanese invasion of 1937 – only to discover that danger stalks them from within. Janie Chang pens pure enchantment!”  —Kate Quinn, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Huntress

From the author of Three Souls and Dragon Springs Road comes a captivating historical novel—the third in a loosely-connected trilogy—in which a young woman travels across China with a convoy of student refugees, fleeing the hostilities of a brutal war with Japan.

“Myths are the darkest and brightest incarnations of who we are…”

China, 1937: When Japanese bombs begin falling on the city of Nanking, nineteen-year-old Hu Lian and her classmates at Minghua University are ordered to flee. Lian and a convoy of more than a hundred students, faculty, and staff must walk a thousand miles to the safety of China’s western provinces, a journey marred by hunger, cold, and the constant threat of aerial attack. And it is not just the student refugees who are at risk: Lian and her classmates have been entrusted with a priceless treasure, a 500-year-old collection of myths and folklore known as the Library of Legends.

Her family’s past has made Lian wary of forming attachments, but the students’ common duty to safeguard the Library of Legends forms unexpected bonds. Lian finds friendship and a cautious romance with the handsome and wealthy Liu Shaoming. But after one classmate is murdered and another arrested, Lian realizes she must escape from the convoy before a family secret puts her in danger. Accompanied by Shao and the enigmatic maidservant Sparrow, Lian makes her way to Shanghai, hoping to reunite with her mother.

On the journey, Lian learns of the connection between her two companions and a tale from the Library of Legends, The Willow Star and the Prince. Learning Shao and Sparrow’s true identities compels Lian to confront her feelings for Shao. But there are broader consequences too, for as the ancient books travel across China, they awaken immortals and guardian spirits to embark on an exodus of their own, one that changes the country’s fate forever.

Based on true events, rich in Chinese history and lore, The Library of Legends is both an illuminating exploration of China’s recent past and an evocative tale of love, sacrifice, and the extraordinary power of storytelling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: May 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9780063016637

Janie Chang

Janie Chang is the Globe and Mail bestselling author of historical fiction. Born in Taiwan, Janie Chang has lived in the Philippines, Iran, Thailand, New Zealand, and Canada. Her novels often draw from family history and ancestral stories. She has a degree in computer science and is a graduate of the Writer’s Studio Program at Simon Fraser University. She is the author of Three Souls, Dragon Springs Road, The Library of Legends, The Porcelain Moon; and co-author of The Phoenix Crown, with Kate Quinn.

Reviews for The Library of Legends

[Daniela Zermeno · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Great setting and mix of folklore. Story’s a bit slow.

[Falak Madhani · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A beautiful tale of the importance of struggle to find meaning in life. Lovely conversion to an audiobook.

[anniik_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very good book with a lovely mixture of history and mythology.

[fernemysteryreader · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Daughter and niece Janie Chang authors a beautifully written historical fiction novel based on her father and uncle's walk of more than a thousand miles to safety with their university in 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War.Never having any formal education studies about any aspect of the history of China and particularly only hearing the negativity of all things China in the last several years I was mesmerized by the story. Historical fiction well-researched is always fascinating to read but to know that the author has a deep and meaningful personal connection to the legacy of this intellectual and cultural achievement by university professors, staff, and students was powerful, riveting, and evoked many emotions.I rarely think of possibly reading any novel again as there are simply so many books that I'd like to read but I would like to read this book again. There is so much information to absorb of the history shared and the storytelling endears the characters who are representing the courage, the stamina, and the strength of each person who helped to protect a vital part of China's heritage for the generations to come following a time of war.This book was gifted to me by a reader friend and I am deeply grateful for the gift of this reading experience. I recognized the cover from a night of browsing several months earlier but as I added the novel to GoodReads realized I had never added it to my tbr list. Without the gift I might never have read this book and I can't imagine missing it.

[didireallyreadthat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is based on the true story of the transportation of ancient books from Nanking, China to be stored in cave during the Second Sino-Japanese war. We follow a group of students as they walk across China each carrying a book as well as trying to keep up their studies as they go along. This was a part of history that I had never heard of so I was really looking forward to this book. It started off well with a devastating bombing in Nanking followed by decision to move the books. But I was dismayed when one of the characters was revealed to be a mythical deity; I generally don’t like books with magical realism. The joke was on me though; the magical deities added immensely to the plot and seemed, to me, to be, a somewhat accurate cultural tendency to believe in gods being omnipresent in Chinese life.Well-developed characters, an interesting historical setting, a great plot. Highly recommended.

[sheila1957 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Japan has invaded China. The students need to move into the interior of China to continue their college educations. At Minghua University they students are also asked to save the original volumes of the Library of Legends. We go with them as they leave Nanking and travel west and south to avoid the war trying to complete their educations and save the culture and literature of China.I enjoyed this book. I do not read a lot of books from WWII set in Asia. I learned a lot as this is based on a true story. It was also gives some of the literature of the Deities of China. I enjoyed the characters. My favorite character was Professor Kang as he could see and communicate the gods but he was also practical with his students. A lot goes on as the students eyes are opened during their trek across the country. Many of the students come from wealthy families and have no idea about the poverty in the rural areas. Ideas are exchanged, both intellectual and political. I could see why some of what was said and done occurred. Shao's eyes were opened and Lian grows confident in her abilities. I liked seeing these two together and growing. I liked the magical realism of the books as the gods interact with each other. I liked how they appeared. I also liked that they could tell hard truths to other immortals and , if humans could see them, to the humans. I was glad the library was saved. I also appreciated the author's notes as the end telling what was true and how she got the story.I would read Janie Chang again.

[erinclark_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of Lian, a Chinese college student who is forced with her classmates to flee their universities at the beginning of WWII for the safer areas of western China due to attacking Japanese. Lian's particular class is given the job of moving and protecting the 'Library of Legends', fables and legends of Chinese immortals and Gods. Their journey is harrowing and difficult. This story also has a sense of mysticism in that Lian can 'see' the spirit Gods who are guardians of rivers, lakes, fields and forests fleeing the countryside for the safety of the mystical Queens Palace in paradise. No one worships them any more and so they have no purpose. Along Lian's journey she becomes good friends with several students and is especially enamored with Shao, a handsome and wealthy young man. I loved the etherealness of this book. It had some really nitty gritty war time action but also the magic of these sprit gods. Quite well researched and highly recommended.

[reb922 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel was set in the late 1930s and follows A group of students in China evacuating their University as Japan is attacking the country. With them they have the original Library of Legends which they as a group must carry to safety. I’ll admit I know very little about this time period but am now interested to read more. With the mention of a trilogy I read the first two before this. While I enjoyed both they are very loosely connected to the point the all stand alone and reading them out of order will take nothing away atleast in my opinion.

[beamis12 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5 I love reading about events in history that I knew nothing about and the authors who bring them into the reading light of day. It is 1937 and the official start of the second Sino-japanese War and China has ordered the evacuation of their middle schools and Universities. Hoping to save thier brightest young for the future. This is the story of one such University and the students, students who will travel a thousand miles to China's interior. They also carry with them, in the hopes of protecting, volumes of books, containing the Library of Legends. This also corresponds to an actual book whose title is given in the authors note.Lin, Shao and a maidservant, Sparrow are the main characters. It is through their main eyes that we follow the happenings and anxieties of both a personal and politically dangerous trip. What adds to this story are the Chinese legends, particularly the Willow Star and the Prince. In a bright burst of magic and brilliant colors, various God's are traveling home to take their places in the heavens. Those mortals like Lin and Dr Kang, who are enlightened enough to see this spectacle, are treated to amazing spectacles that will never be forgotten. Little known history, with some wonderful characters, mixed with legend and magical realism made this a wonderful read. Authors note and Q & A at books end answers for the background and actual events in the novel.ARC from Librarything.

[bettytaylor56 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First, you have to get beyond that gorgeous cover. Go ahead and gaze at it, absorbing that artistry. Then once you are ready, open the cover and enter the fantastical world Janie Chang has created, a story blending Chinese history and Chinese folklore.Amidst the brutality of the Japanese invasion of 1937, the books containing all the lore throughout Chinese history must be saved. A convoy of university students, carrying the 500-year-old collection of books, set out on a treacherous journey of over 1000 miles across the country. The story focuses on three of these travelers – Hu Lian, Liu Shaoming, and Sparrow. Friendship, romance, enchantment, secrets, the brutality of war, spies, the strength of the human spirit – all elements of this fascinating story. And above all the value of story – a belief that threads its way throughout many cultures.The magical storyline involves humans who can see the spirits living among them, spirits who have taken the form of humans. At the center of this storyline is the love story of the Willow Star and the Prince. The Willow Star has been waiting hundreds of years for the Prince to recognize her – only then can she take him home with her, back to the heavens.My heart ached for The Willow Star’s seemingly hopeless situation. I also felt great sadness for the spirits, having inhabited earthly forms for a long time, were now forced to leave those forms as the Japanese moved further inland. I am not normally a fan of fantasy, but the historical aspects of this stunning story held my attention. At the start of WWII many of China’s universities began migrating to interior regions of China in an effort to safeguard their intellectual legacy. Ancient literature was stored in caves under the care of university servants. This story focuses on one of those universities.“Maybe immortals feel the passage of time differently than we do. Maybe a hundred years to her is only the blink of an eye, a single beat of the heart.”Thank you to the publisher William Morrow and the Tall Poppies authors for an advance copy to read and review.

[fredreeca · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Lian is a student at Minghua University, basically because of the Library of Legends. This is an ancient library at this university which she wants to explore. But, when the Japanese start bombing, every student and faculty must evacuate. They are sworn to protect this library at all cost.There are many unique and creative aspects to this tale. I quite enjoyed Lian. She is an introvert but she is strong and tough. She also has a big heart. Then there is the Chinese history sprinkled throughout this story. It is amazing. There is also a different type of intensity created throughout this novel. Between the Japanese and the mythical creatures…you never know what to expect.I requested this book because of the cover and the title. The cover is gorgeous and it has library in the title. It must be about reading…correct? Well, Yes and No. It is about an ancient library and about the myths surrounding Chinese folklore. But it is also fantasy. This is not my genre…did I read the synopsis…NO! I am so terrible about that. When this story started to get “out there” I knew it was not for me. However, there is true genius in this writing. So if you are into historical fantasy. This one is for you.I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[riofriotex · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story takes place in China in 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Universities in areas being bombed were evacuated, and students (called liuwang), professors, and staff all walked to safer interior areas. Hu Lian is a 19-year-old student at Minghua University in Nanking, and her school is also carrying the Library of Legends, a collection of Chinese folktales and mythology, to safer quarters. There's much adventure (good and bad) along the way, and, in danger, Lian eventually escapes (along with wealthy student Shao and his maidservant Sparrow) to find her mother, a refugee in Shanghai.

There's an element of fantasy in the book, as one of the characters is actually a spirit from one of the legends in human form. The book drags a bit, especially in the middle, but these fantasy elements are just enough to maintain interest but not overwhelm. Author Janie Chang was inspired by her parents' experiences - her father was a liuwang from Nanking and her mother a war refugee in Shanghai.

[karenherndon · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Early reviewers book- thank you.First off I have to say, this is not the type of book I would normally buy/read.That said, I thought it was a nice little story, very well written, decent characters and overall I’d give it probably a 3 1/2 mainly because I found it a very slow read for me. As I said, this is not my kind of story to begin with.

[insightsgal · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of my very favorite Early Reviewers books! Part adventure story, part history, part mythology, this book is engaging from beginning to end! I don’t know much about Chinese history, which made this tale even more gripping. I found myself wanting to learn more after I had finished the book. A GREAT read, perfect for book clubs. In fact, my copy is headed to my mother and her book club shortly!

[avogt221-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story is about a group of students (and their professors and university staff) who are forced to relocate the university to the interior of China as the Japanese invade. The focus is on one student primarily who's family carries a dangerous secret. As she flees, she notices that the guardian spirits of China are being called to leave China and return to heaven. In spite of this mystical aspect, this book is much more historical fiction than it is historically based fantasy. The focus is really on the main character and real events of 1937 as she travels though wartorn China with only a tangential "fantastic" subplot occurring in the midst of it. I will admit I found the book hard to get into at first but the last 2/3s of the it flew by. To further recommend this book, it inspired me to seek out other books by this author (I have already picked up two others) and started reading a history book that relates to this period as well.

[dgmlrhodes · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story of the Library of Legends was a fascinating one. Students were forced to leave their university during the war and walk a thousand miles by foot. During the journey, each student was charged with keeping a book from the library of legends safe over the course of their travels. Characters were engaging and the story showed growth and emotional attachment with relationships growing over the course of the story. This highlighted the class system in China. I thought the story started slow but finished strong. I had not read a lot about Chinese history during this time period and it was a refreshing change. A good historical fiction read!Reader received a complimentary cod from LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

[9cee9 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Universities relocating to safer locations and preserving libraries during WW II was an interesting bit of Chinese history of which I had not been aware. It was a wise effort, as well as courageous, to value knowledge and educating the young in preparation for rebuilding the country after the war. This book included many references to the old spiritual culture, the struggle to save traditional values and family relationships through separations and the perilous wartime journey.

[dianne47-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting mix of historical fiction and legends. University student Lian is forced to flee Nanking with her fellow students as the Japanese bombs start falling. In addition to saving themselves the students are also charged with saving The Library of Legends, a collection of Chinese myths and folklore. Their journey is long and arduous, also eventful as one student is killed and another arrested. Lian decides to escape he student group to locate her mother. She is accompanied by a fellow student Shao and his mysterious servant Sparrow. Characters and story are so interesting, and I learned a lot about a place and time i was not familiar with.

[avanders_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Review based on ARC (Advanced Readers' Copy received in exchange for an honest review).I was completely sucked in by the cover and title. Even though this is squarely in the historical fiction category, the description did nothing to dissuade me to seek this book out. Briefly, it's about a young adult student at University in China in 1937, during the Japanese-Chinese war. As bombs begin falling on her city, Nanking, she and the other students are forced to trek 1000 miles to safety, protecting their own lives as well as the priceless 500-year-old collection of myths and folklore called the Library of Legends.The book covers heartache and growth, love and danger, death and murder, friendship and the strength of family. There is magical realism and/or mythology worked throughout the very engaging and heartbreaking story told here.This is one of those "full" books. It is robust in its narrative and its setting, complex with emotions and characters, and thought-provoking of political and philosophical ideas, old and new. I loved meeting Hu Lian, Liu Shaoming, and especially Sparrow. And I found Professor Kang to be one of my favorite mentors. I was also impressed with Chang's "side" characters -- Shorty Ho, Mr. Lee, Meirong, Jenmei, and Dr. Mao, to name a few. I felt like I understood Lian's connections and distractions, confusion and conflict. Finally, I was enamored with the countryside of China and found myself very interested in visiting some day. Even though the story takes place during wartime and is filled with heartache and famine, there was a beauty and strength in the people and their beliefs that I would love to meet firsthand.I will definitely read more that Chang has written. I strongly recommend this book. 4.5 stars!

[janarose1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When the Japanese begin their invasion of China, university student Lian finds herself being evacuated with the Minghua University. Lian and her classmates have been tasked with transporting the Library of Legends, a collection of myths and folklore which has survived for over 500 years. As they travel with the books, spirits, guardians, and gods begin to awake.It is hard to describe all of the moving pieces of this book adequately. The characters were very well developed and multi-dimensional. I found the interaction between the mortal and immortal fascinating. I have already purchased Janie Change's other books and look forward to reading them. Overall 5 out of 5 stars.

[cattriona · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an engaging work of historical fiction, set during the Second Sino-Japanese War, with a touch of fantasy in the form of Chinese mythology. The characters are interesting and well drawn, and the story is suspenseful as the characters make their way walking across China to escape the war. Highly recommended for fans of historical or Chinese fiction.

[mommom46 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

With thanks to LibraryThing for the chance to preview The Library of Legends. I particularly enjoyed the story blending Chinese myth and spirits with the war Japan is fighting in China. The story was interesting and I liked the characters but it tended to be more Historical Romance than Historical Fiction.