G1164 Book Review of A hero born by Jin Yong
Author: Jin Yong (translated by Anna Holmwood)
ISBN: 978-1-250-22060-8
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Part of a Series: Legend of the Condor Heroes
Type of book: 1200s, China, Song Dynasty, Mongolia, Jin Empire, fantasy, wuxia, contest, betrayal, family, secrets, relationships, greats, immortals, Genghis Khan, farming, wealth, simplicity
Year it was published: 2019 (1955)
Summary:
The epic Chinese classic and phenomenon published in the US for the first time!
A fantastical generational saga and kung fu epic, A Hero Born is the classic novel of its time, stretching from the Song Empire (China 1200 AD) to the appearance of a warlord whose name will endure for eternity: Genghis Khan. Filled with an extraordinary cast of characters, A Hero Born is a tale of fantasy and wonder, love and passion, treachery and war, betrayal and brotherhood.
And then a hero is born...
After his father, a Song patriot, was murdered, Guo Jing and his mother fled to the plains and joined Ghengis Khan and his people. Loyal, humble and driven, he learned all he could from the warlord and his army in hopes of one day joining them in their cause. But what Guo Jing doesn’t know is that he’s destined to battle an opponent that will challenge him in every way imaginable and with a connection to his past that no one envisioned.
With the help and guidance of his shifus, The Seven Heroes of the South, Guo Jing returns to China to face his foe and carry out his destiny. But in a land divided by treachery and war, betrayal and ambition, he’ll have to put his courage and knowledge to the test to survive.
Characters:
There are a whole lot of characters in the story, both main and secondary, thus I will focus on the hero and the companion as well as the antagonist Wanyan KANG. Guo JING is the protagonist and ultimately becomes the hero of the story. He is the son of a dead Song patriot and was raised in Mongolia steppe with Genghis Khan. He is best described as loyal, simple and someone who has to work extra hard to garner the necessary achievements. He is also extremely likable and doesn't seem to be full of guile. His companion is Lotus Huang, who is talented, a genius in learning new martial arts forms, is extremely curious and also has a secret. Lotus knows wealth and fine eating and delicacies. Wanyan KANG strikes me as antithesis of Guo JING because he is snobby, manipulative, and isn't afraid of hurting or lying to get his way.
Theme:
Don't judge by appearances
Plot:
The story is in third person narrative practically from all the characters' points of views. It is also chronological and begins in beginning rather than in the middle. Despite the comparison with LoTR, Lord of the Rings, it strikes me as a perfect blend of serious and comedic moments in the book, ( LoTR was way too depressing!) and also a lot of parts that can strike readers as breath taking ( My favorite being the first meeting between Qui Chuji and The Seven Freaks of the south). Oh yes, the women in the story contribute far more than just looks ( as in LoTR). So for a wonderful and educational adventure on China in 1200s, one doesn't have far to seek.
Author Information:
(From book)
Jin Yong (pen name of Louis Cha) was a true phenomenon in the Chinese-speaking world. Born in mainland China, he spent most of his life writing novels and editing newspapers in Hong Kong. His enormously popular martial arts novels have become modern classics and remain must-reads for those looking for tales of danger and adventure.
Anna Holmwood is a producer and translator from Chinese and Swedish into English. She is co founder of the Emerging Translators' Network in the U.K.
Opinion:
I long have had some familiarity with Legend of Condor Heroes, namely I knew it was the name of a popular Chinese Hong Kong classic written by JIN Yong. However, because I can't read either modern nor traditional Chinese, I gave up on reading the novel. However, I am happy to report, that has changed because at long last an English translation of the classic will be making an appearance! Reading the first volume of the planned twelve volume series ( originally Legend of Condor Heroes was a trilogy, and will cover volumes 1-4 and it will consist of four books; I assume books 5-8 will cover Return of the Condor Heroes, and 9-12 will cover The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber) I am excited for a lot of reasons: one reason is that my son has Hong Kong heritage, so it will be cool to tell him about these books many years later ( He is almost 4) and other reasons is traveling to a China that I literally know next to nothing about. ( my studies in Chinese history only went to Tang Dynasty...). Yes, I loved reading and getting lost within these pages as well as meeting characters and even laughing at some points. In fact, probably for the first time in my life, I am actually inspired in watching the Chinese drama that is based on this book. I also strongly look forward to future installments of this monumental saga.
This was given to me for a review
4 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)
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