Ballad of the Desert (大漠谣)
Author: Tong Hua (桐华)
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama
Number of Chapters: 38 chapters + 1 side story
Synopsis:
Yu Jin is an orphan, who was raised by wolves in the desert. She happened to meet a man of Han living with a Xiongnu tribe who takes her back to his camp due to her saving his life from thirst. She soon becomes friends with Xiongnu’s children. One year later, due to political changes, her foster father is killed. His only wish was for her to return to his hometown of Chang’an, in the Han Dynasty while hers is to live with the wolves for she has lost the one who she relied on. While going on life’s journey she met two men on the way hereby starting her story which will span years with so much colorful and stunning trials and tribulations.
Read English translations at http://koalasplayground.com/
Reading Status: Heard of the novel but only watched the drama
Thoughts:
I personally felt that the drama was quite decent and it was kind of the only Tong Hua drama I watched from start till end. In fact, I haven’t read any of Tong Hua’s books despite hearing about them. Anyway, it may not have the happiest of endings, but I would consider it to be one of the better ones already.
Adaptations:
2014 Chinese drama adaptation (风中奇缘)
Michilun Translations 