| Though the novel's ancient Korean setting is vivid and central to the story, the author transcends the young adult historical fiction genre. By depicting the struggle for survival faced by a young orphan, Tree-ear, and his elderly friend, Crane Man, Linda Sue Park manages to add the theme of living honorably to the rich background of Celadon pottery making in ancient Korea. With each decision in his journey, from scrabbling in the dirt for a few grains of rice to eat, to traveling with a master potter's sample works to the palace of the king, Tree-ear weighs his choices against the background of integrity and dignity taught him by the morally scrupulous Crane Man. I read this novel as an adult, and enjoyed it very much. |
A Single Shard Books In Print, Audio Books.