I like this book because I think it developed very wealthy characters. I love historical fiction, so this was the kind of book that I wanted to read. I think they also did a fantastic work writing it, and the horrible circumstances that this book is setting on it just make it like a delightful book. I think it's well-written. I think the plot was perfect. I think that the structure of the book made it easy to read, and I think we have to take a lot to the translator who did this brilliant work and that in the translation, the book didn't lose its essence.

The Colonel and the Eunuch is an amazing book by Mai Jia that has already sold over 2,5 million copies in China. With a masterful translation by Dylan Levi King English speakers/readers can now see what the fuss is about.

This is a hugely entertaining tale that's part coming of age story,part historical fiction,part social history,part war story and much,much else....most importantly an excellent story.

We first meet an unnamed boy in a small village in Southern China not long after the Korean War. Amongst the many local characters is the enigmatic war hero "The Colonel" as he is called to his face,"The Eunuch" behind his back by those who disparage him. Locals,including the boy's family,seem to either love him or loathe him for reasons that only become apparent as his history is related throughout the book.

When the Cultural Revolution hits the village , local bullies and nonentities join the Red Guards and old certainties and traditions are ,often literally,demolished,the Colonel is targeted and branded a traitor and collaborator ,amongst other things.

A story that spans decades,from the boy's childhood to his senior years,the Colonel's story emerges as circumstances demand,his heroics on all sides during China's most turbulent period,his life,loves and complex relationships. The book is full of excellent characters,some good,some bad,a few evil and a handful that show many sides.

I'm a big fan of Pierre Le Maitre's historical novels,full of odd characters and bizarre events and this book reminded me very much of those.

An excellent read that I really enjoyed.