allan kelman

Poorly disguised Chinese propaganda that is really a criticism of democracy over the communist political system. The fairy tale is cumbersome and simplistic with the main character supposedly a princess on her first journey to enlightenment. Has an imaginary country with a capitalist government that is obviously a parody of the USA and compares most unfavorably with the far fairer intelligent government of China. All without mentioning names. My copy was originally published by Djingattila Melbourne in August 1998 and the author is identified as Peri of Pera. To be truthful much of the anti-democratic propaganda is well-argued, but this is not just a fairy tale and it may interest the student of world politics more than a reader simply looking for an eastern fairytale. Later copies are available that identify the author as Peter Riedt published April 1st, 2011 by Raider Publishing International. That date is ominous.

Strangely dark tale supposedly set in ancient China. Very slow to start and introduce the main character, Chia, a half-mortal child of a mixed, (Luna -earth) union. Chia is almost always under attack and destined to remain alone. Worth a read if only for it's smattering of Tao like poetry and eastern thought. Very suspenseful final quarter.