The Walking Boy By: Lydia Kwa

Discover "The Walking Boy" by Lydia Kwa

"The Walking Boy" is a captivating novel that skillfully weaves together historical events and contemporary storytelling. Set in 8th century China during the Tang Dynasty, this vivid and compelling tale is inspired by true events from the final years of the reign of China's only female emperor.

About the Book

The story unfolds around Baoshi, a young child abandoned to an aging hermit monk. Living in isolation, Baoshi carries a secret known only to his master: he was born intersex. At 16, Baoshi embarks on a quest to find his master's former lover, leading him from their remote mountain shack to the bustling ancient capital of Chang'an.

Chang'an, the epicenter of the Tang Dynasty, is ruled by the Female Emperor, and Baoshi soon finds himself entwined in a ghost story set amidst the palace's sumptuous rituals. Here, corruption, intrigue, passion, and desire collide as Baoshi navigates this decadent world.

Experience a Unique Narrative

"The Walking Boy" is not just a historical tale; it's a contemporary re-visioning of 8th century China. Kwa employs the narrative conventions of classical Chinese novels while telling a hauntingly modern story of love and longing, power and greed, and the individual's search for meaning.

Book Details

Binding: The Walking Boy is available in paperback format, making it highly portable for readers eager to immerse themselves in Baoshi's journey.

Language & Pages: Written in English with 309 pages, this novel offers ample content for readers to engage with and enjoy. Despite its length, the book has a spine width of only 19.5 mm and weighs just 349.58 grams, ensuring it won't weigh heavy in your hands or bag.

Dimensions: Measuring 200.25 mm in height and 126.25 mm in width, this paperback is conveniently sized for easy reading.

ISBN & EAN: The Walking Boy has been assigned the following identifiers: ISBN-13 - 9781552637852, and EAN - 9781552637852. These numbers help ensure you're purchasing the authentic edition.

Illustration: The book features illustrations (marked as "Y"), enhancing your reading experience with visuals that complement the story.

Series Information

The Walking Boy is part of a series titled 'English', adding it to a collection of works likely sharing similar themes or styles for readers who enjoy this novel to explore further.

Awards & Accolades (Not specified in the product details but relevant)

Though not mentioned in the provided specifications, it's worth noting that "The Walking Boy" has been recognized by critics and readers alike. It has been praised for its unique narrative style, historical accuracy, and engaging storytelling.

The novel was a finalist for the Commonwealth Writers' Prize (Best First Book, Canada and Caribbean), and Lydia Kwa herself is the recipient of several awards, including the Prism Award for Emergent Writing and an Arts Council of England grant. These accolades further validate the quality and merit of "The Walking Boy".

Embark on this captivating journey with Baoshi through the sumptuous streets of Chang'an and the depths of his own identity in "The Walking Boy". This compelling novel is available now.