18 Cranes by Robert Campbell is the first book in the Kaifeng Chronicles. The book is historical fiction that takes places in China. The book follows Li Bing, who a young adult, writing his examinations. These examinations are an important step for him to become part of the Chinese civil service. However, he is having a repetitive dream of 18 red-crowned cranes. In his culture, these birds have significant meaning. He seeks out advice to those important to him to understand the dream he keeps having. Li Bing is also awaiting his test results to see where his future lies.
18 Cranes is an interesting short book. It is heavy with cultural influences from China within it. While I cannot speak to the truth of historical or cultural traits for China, it was intriguing to see something from another culture within another time. The examination that he had to take was daunting. Campbell did an excellent job describing the test, how the test is set up, and how it is graded. Having someone's entire future decision based on test results is nerve-wracking, and I can understand this from personal experience.
I would also say that Campbell does such a wonderful job with his descriptions in the book. They painted beautiful pictures of what is going on in the novella. He also set a good pace for the book; it was slow and dream-like, which made it easy to follow. However, even though it was interesting, it was just a piece of the story. Given that it is a novella with sequels, I was not expecting to have a fully finished storyline. Despite this knowledge, it felt that the story was just beginning but then ended suddenly.
The book, in spite of its length, was able to evoke emotion as well. I felt the pressure of Li Bing’s tests. I could feel the possible disappointment of his family. What I do know from some Asian cultures is that family, particularly elders, is very important. When Li Bing’s grandfather said that he could now pass because he feels the future of the family is secure within Li Bing’s success on his exams. There is also a part where there is a possible marriage due to the results of his exams. This depicts a deep cultural root in the importance of education and success in education. We also get to see his different interactions with people important in his life and learning a great deal.
Overall, this book is not something I would typically read. Though I did find it to be enjoyable and interesting, it would not be something that I would read in my regular rotation of material. I am not much with historical and culturally fiction, even though this gave me a taste of the genre. I think those who do like these types of books would greatly enjoy this one. The descriptions are rich without being overwhelming, and it contains the life of a Chinese man unraveling his future.
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![18 Cranes: Kaifeng Chronicles, Book One by [Robert Campbell]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yNsThvW0L._SY346_.jpg)
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Wendy
Relaxing,Informative, Intriguing
Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2018Verified Purchase
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Hope you who bought enjoy the book
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18 Cranes
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Five Stars
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