Elsa Hart, I am a fan.This second novel of the series of Li Du was scrumptious. Exceptional in its placements within the mountains of Lhasa, its characters, its juxtaposition of different authorities, it lyrical and yet logical language.This is a who-dun-it that comes fully framed in a photo/painting of "oh so much more" than the mystery of event or circumstance than normally surround protagonists in this genre. It's more cultural. It's the Tibetan ambiance of the 18th century, but it has prophe Elsa Hart, I am a fan.This second novel of the series of Li Du was scrumptious. Exceptional in its placements within the mountains of Lhasa, its characters, its juxtaposition of different authorities, it lyrical and yet logical language.This is a who-dun-it that comes fully framed in a photo/painting of "oh so much more" than the mystery of event or circumstance than normally surround protagonists in this genre. It's more cultural. It's the Tibetan ambiance of the 18th century, but it has prophetic eyes, as well.Li Du is from the Chinese Emperor's Forbidden City. Schooled to be a magistrate from a family of high magistrates, he chooses instead to become a librarian under his mentor, Shu. But after reversals in fortune due to truth telling, he is exiled now for 14 years. We follow him on his caravan travels through many countries. The Emperor has pardoned him- will he return home?The people he meets, the tales they tell, the events he observes comprise the books in this series. Think "Canterbury Tales" gone Dalai Lama discovery mixed with prophetic Machiavelli deductions and you have some sense of what these entwine. You will need patience. In this one, they are trapped in a small valley waiting for a snowstorm to complete, melt (it is very early autumn) and for the pass to open again in order to reach the next province. Li Du is accompanied by a trade caravan for safety. We have continuing characters from the first book within this company. One is a Jesuit that's really a Franciscan/Capuchin. One is a tale teller by trade, hired for recreation in courts and ageless in his acting and voice abilities. Most of the company can speak 3 languages. One of which is either Chinese either/or the "travel" tongue for the steppes. But a number can communicate in Latin, as well.My problem with the first book was only the numerous character introductions. This one simmers in all that knowledge. I have a feeling that they are only going to get better and better. Watch out Brunetti, Gamache, Flavia de Luce. So many quotes I could add. Here is one coming only pages from the ending:Hazma gave a self-satisfied smile. "I have said it before. I'm as old as the oldest in my stories, as young as the youngest, as benevolent as the kindest and as cruel as the most wicked."They are not there yet (5 or 6 most returning characters), but some of these players have the potential to be glorious historical fiction as per a Hilary Mantel for the Cromwell era type. That type of depth. But not in the order of the prose form though- that would be quite different. There are 3 empires and possibly 4 belief systems crossing intellectual and military swords/power/influence. China, Tibet and Lhasa, Mongol (Northern) and far Western science among the strongest. And on another level it is a "closed door" who-dun-it" because they are snowed in and physical conditions plus communications are dire and nil. If you are a cozy reader, you will love Li Du's character. And if you like parables or stories akin to those of Aladdin, you will enjoy this. This type of mystery writing, the mood/tone/prose poetry style- I have only found so far within a great extent anyway- in the Japanese placements. Elsa Hart has hit upon something unique in what she has combined here. And I love it. It pulls you into this era within the women's lives too. Nary a stupid housewife stereotype in these pages. And you better listen to that Grandmother at her praying wheel too. I'm hoping that Sera appears again in a further episode. Not as a widow taking over her husband's tax authority but as one who travels the "women's roads of secret" and the savvy practice of non-notice for journeying. She described that sublimely.As much as I liked Elsa Hart's debut (Jade Dragon)- I had hopes it was only for a preliminary expansion for wider and better. And now I'm ecstatic that she's bloomed this into what it could be. Highly rec. for the historical fiction fans who love reading detail of life and logic in another time. With all the minutia that makes it pop and at the same time as an understanding to the contrasting cognition and social order for vying geographic locations. If you like constant action, sexual content, dysfunction at the core- this may be boring to you. It's paced for immersion. And I truly got swallowed.No spoilers except one. No converts for Campo. 4.5 stars. There's a bit too much tension delaying, and not finishing an explanation between compatriots. It could have been edited down in back redundancy. Hazma and Li Du conversations in privacy; those were all 5 star.Pull this series up and partake of a bowl of butter tea.
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