The Story of the Stone

The Story of the Stone (1988) Barry Hughart

Master Li has taken Number Ten Ox on as his assistant.

The Abbot of the monastery of the Valley of Sorrows comes to Master Li asking for help resolving the unexpected death of his librarian, and the strange dead spots in the Valley. Along the way they meet the Grief of Dawn and Moon Boy, who may be able to help them solve the mystery.

First, there are plenty of passages that make me laugh, such as the vendors selling worms to the fishermen.

“Worms!” cried the vendors. “Take pity upon poor helpless worms, most unfairly condemned to death upon hooks!”

Second, there is the description of Hell.

I’ve been a fan of Liz Williams‘ Detective Inspector Chen series for quite awhile. This is the first time I’ve come across a similar Hell (though there are many differences between the two). And I love the following description.

The world is a cube measuring 233,575 paces across. The center of the cube is occupied by the Kingdom of Hell, and it is the judging place for all mortals, saint and sinner alike. That is why people on the wrong sides of the cube don’t fall off: We are all drawn toward our ultimate destination so no matter where one stands, Hell is always “down” and Heaven is always “up,” and that’s all there is to it.

Now I have just the third and final book in the series to read. Alas.
Rating: 8/10

Published by Subterranean Press

• Browse the archives:
  
• The Mislaid Magician or Ten Years After » »
• « « Bridge of Birds