One of van Gulik's best works
|
Like all of van Gulik's books, "Murder in Canton" is a pleasure to read, and will fascinate those who are not familiar with Chinese detective fiction. However, the interesting thing about this volume is that it showcases Canton, the one area of China which was traditionally exposed to the outside world. So, while the plot is supposed to take place in the 6th Century, it includes Muslim traders and some local "outcast" tribes, and makes some shrewd observations about their relationship with the majority Han Chinese.
Towards the end of his life, van Gulik claimed that he was not very pleased with "Murder in Canton". Hard to see why, for the book is great, and cannot be recommended highly enough.
|
|
A Woderful Chinese Detective Story
|
|
This is the culminationation of Mr van Gulick's Judge Dee books which are set in ancient China. It is Judge Dee's Last case and neatly ties up all the loose ends relating to the characters common to the series. This does not detract from the book and it is a pity that Mr van Gulick did not write more books in a similar vein or write a different series about the life of Judge Dee after he became a minister of state. All Mr van Gulick books are a most entertaining read and I can thoroughly recommend them.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada