THE JOURNEY OF MENG

The cruelties attending the building of the Great Wall are dramatized in a powerful story. After her scholar husband is enslaved to work on the Wall, Meng goes on an arduous journey to search for him, only to find that he has died as a result of unremitting toil. Meng summons supernatural powers to topple the Wall in order to reclaim his bones. Enthralled by her beauty, the Emperor begs her to marry him, which she agrees to do on condition that her husband first receive a sumptuous burial—but when the period of mourning is complete, Meng escapes the tyrant by plunging to her death in the sea. Even though the Emperor's vengeance pursues her after death, she triumphs over him yet again as her courage is remembered. The author relates this moving tale with quiet dignity, while the Chinese-born painter conveys Meng's sorrow and determination with elegant simplicity in his lovely ink and watercolor illustrations. A fine contribution. (Folklore/Picture book. 5-10)