Think the China version of Sharaizod ( )

Greenpearl, daughter of a Chinese general, is abducted and sold into slavery while still only a child. She never forgets the family she came from, however, and is determined to find her way back to her mother and rescue her from captivity in the Dragon Monarch's realm. Greenpearl travels across China, assuming many different names and roles, becoming a courtesan, a warrior, and a poet. Her progress is watched closely by various gods, who have taken a special interest in her plight and help or hinder her by turn.

Silk Road is about women, their relationships to each other and their roles in society. It's been called feminist, but that gives one the idea that the author, Larsen, is pushing an agenda. It is, merely, the story of a woman from a woman's perspective and, if anything, champions only the idea that women can and should be in charge of their destinies. I liked seeing the strong bonds between women in this book -- many female characters in fantasy are limited to romance with men and rivalry with other women, neglecting the supportive, loyal friendships that women can have with each other (and with men too).

The book is an experimental collage of different literary forms. Parts of the story are in first person, from Greenpearl's perspective as she recounts her adventures, but other parts are in third person, looking in on various other characters. Interspersed with these narratives are poems, historical texts, a storyteller's performance, even recipes -- the mishmash of elements is odd, and it slows down the narrative with apparently irrelevant detours. I like it for being so unusual and daring, but others may be frustrated or confused by it.

Larsen throws in just about any bit of Chinese culture and history that takes her fancy, mixing together Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist traditions: Nu Wa, Guan-yin, the King of the Underworld, the Motherqueen, Empress Wu, Yang Kuei-fei, the monk traveling to India with 3 disciples, and dozens more. The book is so deeply immersed in all things Chinese that people completely unfamiliar with the culture will find lots of details passing right over their heads. You don't need to be an expert on China to enjoy the book -- after all, I'm not -- but it will entice you to learn more. Even the merest passing familiarity with China will add an additional level of pleasure in recognizing legendary names and places.

Although labeled as fantasy, Silk Road feels more like a folk tale, or magical realism, so people who don't normally read fantasy may like this anyway. Fans of fantasy will appreciate it as a welcome break from humdrum Tolkien ripoffs.

Note: This book is not appropriate for children, as it features sex, rape, and prostitution. Homosexuality is also present. ( )