Ah, Au Bord de l'Eau! Or, as my nan used to call it, "That really, really long Chinese book." I mean, she wasn't entirely wrong. We're talking about one serious chunk of literature here, folks. Written (allegedly) by Shi Nai'an sometime during the Yuan dynasty, it's the kind of book you can use to bludgeon a burglar, provided you can lift it, that is.
Basically, it’s the story of 108 outlaws. Yes, you read that right. 108! Try keeping track of all those characters! It’s like trying to remember the names of all your Facebook friends. And let’s be honest, half of them you met at that one slightly awkward party, and you're not even sure if they’re really your friends. But I digress…
So, what's all the fuss about?
Well, these 108 heroes (or, you know, glorified bandits depending on your perspective) are all, shall we say, dissatisfied with the corrupt Song dynasty. Picture Robin Hood, but multiplied by, oh, about a hundred. And instead of Nottingham Forest, they hang out in Liangshan Marsh – think a really, really big swamp where social distancing is probably pretty easy, even pre-pandemic.
Each of these individuals has their own unique skillset. We've got everything from master swordsmen (because, duh) to guys who can, and I quote, "walk on water." Yes, actual water. I'm assuming they didn't have to use those inflatable flamingo pool floats we all panic-bought in 2020. Though, imagine the scenes…
The writing? Let's just say it's epic. Think Game of Thrones, but without all the dragons (sadly) and with significantly more emphasis on loyalty, brotherhood, and, of course, fighting. Lots and lots of fighting. Seriously, if you're looking for a book with a high body count, look no further. It makes Quentin Tarantino look like a pacifist.
It's all about the underdog, about standing up to injustice, and about looking really, really cool while doing it. Plus, there are enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. One minute a character is your best friend, the next they're stabbing you in the back with a rusty dagger. Relationships in Au Bord de l'Eau are complicated, to say the least.
Why should you read it?
Good question! Maybe you're a history buff. Maybe you're a fan of martial arts movies. Maybe you just like really long books that you can brag about having read at parties. Whatever your reason, Au Bord de l'Eau is a cultural landmark. It’s a window into a different time, a different culture, and a different way of looking at the world.
Warning: Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time keeping track of who's who. I highly recommend drawing a family tree, or maybe just a flowchart of grudges and allegiances. You might even need a spreadsheet. Don't say I didn't warn you!
But honestly, it's worth it. Au Bord de l'Eau is a rollercoaster ride of action, adventure, and philosophical pondering. And if nothing else, it gives you a great excuse to say things like "By the Nine Dragons!" (Actually, there’s no Nine Dragons character, but feel free to invent one. Shi Nai’an probably wouldn’t mind…much).
So, go on, dive in! Just don't blame me if you start referring to your coworkers as "sworn brothers" and challenging them to duels at lunchtime. And maybe avoid learning to walk on water – it's much harder than it looks (trust me, I’ve tried… with disastrous results and a very soggy cat).
Ultimately, Au Bord de l'Eau is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, a band of misfits can make a difference. Or, at the very least, make a whole lot of noise trying. Plus, with 108 characters to choose from, you're bound to find at least one you can relate to. Even if that one is just really good at stealing chickens.
