The Banished Immortal: A Life of Li Bai (Li Po) by Ha Jin
Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, Library Volunteer
Genre: Biography
Suggested Age: Adult, Young Adult
What is This Book About?: The Banished Immortal tells the life story of Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (702-762). Li was immensely talented (and he knew it). He was a devoted father, but Li’s wives perhaps found Li to be a poor husband, as he was often away in search of patronage and new opportunities, and often drank to excess. Although Li did enjoy the patronage of Emperor Xuanzong, his outspoken nature led to his removal from the Emperor’s court. Li subsequently became a Taoist and perhaps (for a time) thought he might live with his wife in prayer and seclusion. But Li’s peripatetic nature and his desire for increased patronage and visibility got him into trouble: Following an insurrection, Li attached himself to one of deposed Emperor Xuanzong’s sons as a kind of political adviser. This son was subsequently defeated, and Li was first sentenced to death, then exiled. He was later pardoned.
My Review: Li Bai’s classic poetry is memorized by schoolchildren in China. Although I chose this biography because I wanted to learn more about this famous poet, I wasn’t entirely sure that I would enjoy the book. The life of a Tang Dynasty poet seemed like it could be rather remote and uninteresting. However, I really liked the book! Li had a larger-than-life character, with a unique view of himself, his talent, and his world. And he wrote all these views in exquisite poetry that we can understand and enjoy even today. Meticulously researched and colorfully written, award-winning author Jin brings this immortal of poetry to life through scenery, contemporary accounts, and Li’s own words and poetry.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Colorful, evoking emotion
Give This a Try if You Like… biographies or poetry or learning about different cultures and/or time periods in history
Rating: 5/5
