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Title: Shen of the Sea
Subtitle: Chinese Stories for Children
Author: Arthur Bowie Chrisman
Narrator: A. C. Fellner
Format: Unabridged
Length: 4 hrs and 52 mins
Language: English
Release date: 02-18-09
Publisher: Penguin Group USA and Audible
Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 14 votes
Genres: Kids, Ages 5-7
Publisher's Summary:
Here is the heartwarming and sometimes almost heartbreaking story of the training and care of a carrier pigeon. Writing out of his own experience as a boy in India, Dhan Mukerji tells how Gay-Neck's master, an eager, highly-sensitive lad, sent his prized pigeon to serve in World War I, and of how, becaue of his exceptional training and his brave heart, Gay-Neck served his new masters heroically.
©1968 Dutton; (P)2009 Audible, Inc.
Members Reviews:
Five Stars
Great!
Five Stars
interesting read
Four Stars
Interesting fables
outdated
I too, had to read this for a (children's) literature class and I found it to be extremely dry and boring. It is also questionable whether these are "authentic" folktales or short stories written "in the style" of Chinese folktales, circa 1926. I don't think Chrisman ever traveled to China in his lifetime. As an adult, I also don't feel these stories would capture the interest of children. I am certain there are more interesting, authentic (and updated) Chinese literature out there.
interesting stories in the style of Chinese folklore
Like some others, whenever I would see the name of this book, which won the Newbery Medal in 1926, I always assumed that it was about a young Chinese boy named Shen who lived near the ocean. However, Shen are spirits in Chinese folklore with domain over one element or another, often malevolent toward people. It is a series of fascinating Chinese stories, strong in clean, witty humor that is hard to find in today's children's books and rich in Chinese wisdom, in which the author has caught admirably the spirit of Chinese life and thought. Arthur Bowie Chrisman spent much time studying the history and literature of India and China. The stories are designed to give folk explanations for the development of various Chinese phenomena such as printing, chopsticks, gun powder, tea, the kite, and âChinaâ plates.
The biggest complaint about the work is that it does not consist of authentic Chinese stories but tales that are written "in the Chinese style" by an American. However, to be fair, it does not claim to be actual Chinese folklore but was simply "inspired" by Chinese folklore. Others complain that it is racist and demeaning with its patronizing knock-offs, akin to performing in blackface. The politically correct, who wear their feelings on their sleeves and never seem to be able to find humor in any normal situation, would probably agree. However, those who like well-written Chinese stories and are willing to put aside any preconceived notions should enjoy the book. In fact, some of the stories may feel vaguely familiar as they are based on universal concepts that have been used many times and in many places to reveal hidden aspects of human nature.
Those who are concerned about elements of enchantment will want to know that references to sea demons, soothsaying, and astrology occur. There are also examples of obstinate and downright horridly disobedient little children, whose parents' indulgence of them causes them to unintentionally "invent" things. However, if this is not a problem in the context of learning what ancient Chinese culture believed, Shen of the Sea will not only be sure to entertain middle-aged children but also give them a taste of old China.