Iron & Silk, Mark Salzman's bestselling account of his adventures as an English teacher and martial arts student in China, introduced a writer of enormous charm and keen insight into the cultural chasm between East and West. Now Salzman returns to China in his first novel, which follows the adventures of Hsun-ching, a naive but courageous orphan, and the formidable and mysterious Colonel Sun, who together travel from mainland China to San Francisco, risking everything to track down an elusive Buddhist scripture called The Laughing Sutra. Part Tom Sawyer, part Tom Jones, The Laughing Sutra draws us into an irresistible narrative of danger and comedy that speaks volumes about the nature of freedom and the meaning of loyalty.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Hsun-ching and his mentor, Colonel Sun, travel from China to San Francisco in their quest for the Laughing Sutra, a text that allegedly holds the key to immortality. PW called this "a novel whose sincerity, good spirits and imaginative high jinks make up for some weaknesses in prose and narrative momentum."
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
YA-- Hsun-ching comes to the U. S. from China in the late 1970s, fulfilling the dream of the Buddhist monk who raised him. His companion on the trip is Colonel Sun, a 2500-year-old warrior. Both are naive and unprepared for the complexities of American life. Comic scenes--a first encounter with a television and a visit to a restaurant--are contrasted with situations concerning American values, as Hsun-ching's knowledge of Americans is drawn from stereotypes: he thinks they are always in a hurry, love money, and hate the elderly. His bewilderment is mixed with a tinge of mystery and romance, and the combination will keep readers curious until the end. Although the plot will hold them, this is really a character study: Hsun-ching's unswerving devotion determines all of his actions. The novel is not just for newly arrived immigrants who will identify with the experiences; it can be enjoyed by most high school students.
- Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Claudia Moore, W. T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the Best Books Ever!,
By Shogun Len "tokieyasu" (Arizona) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Laughing Sutra (Paperback)
Over Christmas break I made a return trip to China and brought with me a copy of Mark Salzman's Laughing Sutra.Salzman's Iron and Silk, though a bit dated, is one of the best books on visiting China. It is a wonderful read, a great teaching tool, and just simply a great book. I had tried reading the Laughing Sutra a number of times and never got past the first chapter. However, during a 5 hour train ride between Beijing and Chengde China I gave the book another shot. The first chapter is tough, but once you get past it this book is wonderful. It is funny, intelligent, clever, and a great history of China. Salzman in brilliant fashion tells the story of Journey to the West, the Monkey King, Three Kingdoms, and the cultural revolution. This book is so creative and so brilliant. Once past the first chapter I read the book in two days. It was an awesome literary experience. My one warning is that you have to know a decent amount about China and Chinese history and literature to get the full effect of this book. Anyone who enjoys reading about China will eat this book up. I cannot say enough goods things about this book. READ IT!
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A wonderful story,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Laughing Sutra (Paperback)
I loved this book. As I was reading it, I kept exclaiming to my family about how wonderful it was, and when I finished it I repeatedly told them that somebody ought to read it. My teenage daughter took my advice yesterday, and she polished it off that same day to her delight. She said that she was sad to have finished it. The story starts off a little slowly, setting the scene. The early chapters have resonance and insight, but they don't really hint at the hilarious adventures to come. Hsun-ching is a charming character, quiet and intelligent, but you are likely to be completely enthralled by Colonel Sun. Once this pair is on their way to America in search of the Laughing Sutra you will have a hard time putting the book down until you are done. I have read a couple of Mark Salzman's other books, and each is extremely well written, displaying a fascination with character, a core of spirituality, and moving, insightful situations; I plan to work my way through his other books, because it's been a while since I've found a writer I enjoyed so much. But for sheer fun, compelling characters and emotional involvement, you couldn't do better than The Laughing Sutra.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Weekend Read,
By
This review is from: The Laughing Sutra (Paperback)
This is a fable about the misadventures of a boy who is orphaned and then raised by a monk. To grant the monk/surrogate father's dying wish... which revolves around obtaining the Laughing Sutra... the boy Hsun-ching sets off on a journey with a companion, the mysterious Colonel Sun. In addition to dealing with Chinese officials and American police officers, Hsun-ching must also deal with whether or not his traveling companion Colonel Sun is just an incredibly crazy loon, or (could it be?) actually *the* heroic "Monkey King" of ancient legend. The book shares a little Chinese history, folklore and humor, and it is a magical and entertaining novel. After the first dozen or so pages that set up the background, it is fast-paced and suitable for a day or two of leisure reading. There is a dash of irreverence, but those who would be offended probably have already turned away simply because of the title. This story is fictional, but if you think you can find a quick path to enlightenment, reading The Laughing Sutra will put things in better perspective. :)
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