The Laughing Sutra

by Mark Salzman

Book Overview

Iron & Silk, Mark Salzman's bestselling account of his adventures as an English teacher and martial arts student in China, introduced a writer of enormous charm and keen insight into the cultural chasm between East and West. Now Salzman returns to China in his first novel, which follows the adventures of Hsun-ching, a naive but courageous orphan, and the formidable and mysterious Colonel Sun, who together travel from mainland China to San Francisco,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679735461
• ISBN13: 9780679735465
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A wonderful wonderful book!

I have read this book twice, once in high school and another just recently. This novel is a similar story to "Journey to the West," talking about a monk who goes on a pilgrimage with his disciples to find the teachings of Buddha, only that this novel takes place in slightly modern times. Salzman has creatively re-invented the story with much enthusiasm and humor. I have recommended this book to many of my friends and all of them have enjoyed reading it. For younger readers, I think they should read it a second time later on in their lives to get a better understanding of the book. (I understood it better after my second reading.) To conclude this, Salzman is a wonderful and talented writer. I have just recently purchased more of his books and can't wait till I dive into those stories!

A wonderful story

I loved this book. As I was reading it, I kept exclaiming to my family about how wonderful it was, and when I finished it I repeatedly told them that somebody ought to read it. My teenage daughter took my advice yesterday, and she polished it off that same day to her delight. She said that she was sad to have finished it. The story starts off a little slowly, setting the scene. The early chapters have resonance and insight, but they don't really hint at the hilarious adventures to come. Hsun-ching is a charming character, quiet and intelligent, but you are likely to be completely enthralled by Colonel Sun. Once this pair is on their way to America in search of the Laughing Sutra you will have a hard time putting the book down until you are done. I have read a couple of Mark Salzman's other books, and each is extremely well written, displaying a fascination with character, a core of spirituality, and moving, insightful situations; I plan to work my way through his other books, because it's been a while since I've found a writer I enjoyed so much. But for sheer fun, compelling characters and emotional involvement, you couldn't do better than The Laughing Sutra.

Great Weekend Read

This is a fable about the misadventures of a boy who is orphaned and then raised by a monk. To grant the monk/surrogate father's dying wish... which revolves around obtaining the Laughing Sutra... the boy Hsun-ching sets off on a journey with a companion, the mysterious Colonel Sun. In addition to dealing with Chinese officials and American police officers, Hsun-ching must also deal with whether or not his traveling companion Colonel Sun is just an incredibly crazy loon, or (could it be?) actually *the* heroic "Monkey King" of ancient legend.The book shares a little Chinese history, folklore and humor, and it is a magical and entertaining novel. After the first dozen or so pages that set up the background, it is fast-paced and suitable for a day or two of leisure reading. There is a dash of irreverence, but those who would be offended probably have already turned away simply because of the title.This story is fictional, but if you think you can find a quick path to enlightenment, reading The Laughing Sutra will put things in better perspective. :)

One of the Best Books Ever!

Over Christmas break I made a return trip to China and brought with me a copy of Mark Salzman's Laughing Sutra.Salzman's Iron and Silk, though a bit dated, is one of the best books on visiting China. It is a wonderful read, a great teaching tool, and just simply a great book.I had tried reading the Laughing Sutra a number of times and never got past the first chapter. However, during a 5 hour train ride between Beijing and Chengde China I gave the book another shot.The first chapter is tough, but once you get past it this book is wonderful. It is funny, intelligent, clever, and a great history of China.Salzman in brilliant fashion tells the story of Journey to the West, the Monkey King, Three Kingdoms, and the cultural revolution. This book is so creative and so brilliant.Once past the first chapter I read the book in two days. It was an awesome literary experience.My one warning is that you have to know a decent amount about China and Chinese history and literature to get the full effect of this book. Anyone who enjoys reading about China will eat this book up.I cannot say enough goods things about this book.READ IT!

Great Book for all Ages

I'm a 15 year old sophmore at a private school in Texas. I was required to read this book for a summer reading project. Normally the summer reading books are boring books that no student has intrest in. The Laughing Sutra, on the other hand, is a GREAT book. It has romance, adventure, suspense, and comedy all packed in to a wonderful story. I even laughed out loud at this book. I would recomend this book for anyone willing to have a fun, peaceful time. Another good characteristic of this book is that it reads quickly and is never thought of as a long boring book while reading. I hope others enjoy this book as much as I did