21 Sep Book Review of Scroll
A Journey Through Calligraphy: My Thoughts on Scroll by Hui Li
When Professor Dora recommended Scroll to me, I could hardly resist its call. Hui Li’s blend of fantasy and science-fiction promised not just a story but a vivid exploration of culture and language. Thankfully, my local library had a hard copy waiting for me, and I felt a delightful sense of anticipation as I held it in my hands.
Scroll is an enchanting tale that beautifully weaves together the relationship between a grandfather, his granddaughter Lulu, and their dog Dumpling. The narrative centers around the grandfather’s introduction of calligraphy and Chinese characters to Lulu, providing a heartwarming look at intergenerational connection. Right from the start, Li takes us on a historical journey, explaining how ancient Chinese people used oracle bones, inscribing picture-like characters as a means to document their lives and express their thoughts.
What genuinely captivated me were the 48 examples of these characters that Li illustrated throughout the book. They are not merely words; they are rich narratives encapsulated in strokes. I couldn’t help but envision teachers utilizing these illustrations in classrooms, allowing students to create their own stories inspired by these ancient symbols. This approach encourages creativity while embracing the beauty of cultural diversity, an aspect that resonated deeply with me, especially as I read this book inspired by one of my students from China.
Hui Li’s writing style is lyrical yet accessible, maintaining a pace that draws readers in without feeling rushed. Each illustration is meticulously crafted, enhancing the understanding of the characters while sparking curiosity. The calligraphy dances off the pages, each character illuminated in a way that makes you want to pause and absorb their meaning. I loved how Li positioned the characters prominently at the tops of pages, inviting readers, especially students, to engage directly with them.
In the author’s notes at the end of the book, Li shares charming anecdotes from her childhood—like drawing Chinese characters with giant paintbrushes—and fascinating insights about the language itself, which contains over 50,000 characters. The symbolism of adding a third tree to the characters for “wood” to transform it into “forest” sparked a realization in me about the interconnectedness of language and nature. Her reflections made me itch to learn more about Mandarin and the beauty of its characters.
Scroll is a treasure that I plan to share with my student, who arrived in the U.S. this school year. I believe it will not only resonate with her cultural background but also serve as a bridge for her peers to understand the richness of different languages.
If you’re a teacher, a parent, or simply a lover of stories that celebrate diversity and connection, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up Scroll. It’s more than just a book—it’s an invitation to explore a world where language and art intertwine, encouraging readers to embrace and appreciate the beauty of different cultures. In reading this, I found a deeper appreciation for not just the Chinese language, but also the stories that language can tell.
As I closed the book, I felt a warmth in my heart—a reminder that stories have the power to unite us, and that’s a journey I’ll always cherish.
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