Narrated by Janet Song
(For those who are paying attention, yes, I've changed my book review day from Sunday to Thursday. Sundays now are for new episodes of my storytelling podcast, Ye Olde Dragon's Library. I hope you'll stop in and listen!)
I loved the first book I discovered by this author, When the Sea Turned to Silver, so yes, I had to snatch this one when it became available on Audible.
Our heroine is Minli, a young girl who believes in wonder and magic and dreams, despite growing up in a sad, mud-brown village where everything is a struggle and there seems to be little reason for joy. One day, she dares to take a chance. First, she buys a goldfish, to bring good fortune into her home. Her mother only sees the waste, spending coin on a fish that needs to be fed, when they barely have enough to feed themselves. Minli decides to set the fish free -- and when she does, her adventure begins. The fish tells her how to find someone who might be able to help Minli change her family's fortune, and bring joy and color to her village. Minli sets off on a journey, with no guarantee and little hope that she will return, much less succeed.
Along her journey, Minli faces danger and fear with courage. She tries even when the situation seems hopeless. She shows mercy and sympathy. She can see what few around her notice. There is magic everywhere, and her faith and her courage encourage others to help her.
At every step of her journey, a new story rich with Chinese mythology is related to the readers, and eventually all the stories tie together. This is a lovely, rich tapestry of history, culture, and imagery, heroism, sacrifice, and faith.
My only complaint? The story ended far too quickly!
