Dragon Springs Road

A Novel

By: Janie Chang

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller

From the author of Three Souls comes a vividly imagined and haunting new novel set in early 20th century Shanghai—a story of friendship, heartbreak, and history that follows a young Eurasian orphan’s search for her long-lost mother.

That night I dreamed that I had wandered out to Dragon Springs Road all on my own, when a dreadful knowledge seized me that my mother had gone away never to return . . .

In 1908, Jialing is only seven years old when she is abandoned in the courtyard of a once-lavish estate near Shanghai. Jialing is zazhong—Eurasian—and faces a lifetime of contempt from both Chinese and Europeans. Without her mother’s protection, she can survive only if the estate’s new owners, the Yang family, agree to take her in.

Jialing finds allies in Anjuin, the eldest Yang daughter, and Fox, an animal spirit who has lived in the haunted courtyard for centuries. But Jialing’s life as the Yangs’ bondservant changes unexpectedly when she befriends a young English girl who then mysteriously vanishes.

Always hopeful of finding her long-lost mother, Jialing grows into womanhood during the tumultuous early years of the Chinese republic, guided by Fox and by her own strength of spirit, away from the shadows of her past. But she finds herself drawn into a murder at the periphery of political intrigue, a relationship that jeopardizes her friendship with Anjuin and a forbidden affair that brings danger to the man she loves.

Sweet story

Interesting world. A bit sentiment. I found the performance overwrought. But ultimately a pretty sweet story.

Vivid images and captivating premise

I was captivated enough that I am not sure why I found this so engaging…I was just in it, which is enough!

Unique Story, Chinese Folklore

A refreshing read. The story is a unique and largely unpredictable drama, with a backbone of Chinese folklore and history. The narration is excellent, but sounds like it’s on fast forward. I found .75 speed to be far more enjoyable. I think somewhere between 1x and .75x would be perfect.

a wonderful book

A wonderful, magical book, that could elicit all sorts of emotions. Narrator was good, it must be hard to imitate mens voices. Will read more books by author.

Wonderfully Written!

From the moment the book began I was hooked. The language was very descriptive to the point I could see every word like a movie. I look forward to reading/listening to more books by Janie Chang!