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Search - Empress Orchid
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Book Description:
From a master of the historical novel, Empress Orchid sweeps readers into the heart of the Forbidden City to tell the fascinating story of a young concubine who becomes China"s last empress. Min introduces the beautiful Tzu Hsi, known as Orchid, and weaves an epic of a country girl who seized power through seduction, murder, and endless intrigue. When China is threatened by enemies, she alone seems capable of holding the country together. In this "absorbing companion piece to her novel Becoming Madame Mao" (New York Times), readers and reading groups will once again be transported by Min"s lavish evocation of the Forbidden City in its last days of imperial glory and by her brilliant portrait of a flawed yet utterly compelling woman who survived, and ultimately dominated, a male world.
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Genres:
- Literature & Fiction >> Genre Fiction >> Historical
- Literature & Fiction >> Short Stories >> United States
Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Hardcover
Top Member Reviews
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very interesting book which sheds a lot of detail about the day to day life of someone living inside the forbidden city walls
Colleen J. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Roughly the equivalent to the early years of Anne Boleyn--the Eastern version. Or possibly Evita. Empress Orchid is a fast paced yet delicate novel detailing the unlikely rise of an impoverished but decently pedigreed remote governor's daughter to become one of the seven Imperial wives of the last real emperor of China, circa 1861. The book offers an amazingly detailed look at what life was like in the Forbidden City, is impeccably researched and leaves one wondering what one would do when faced with the same challenges. I immediately ordered its sequel, The Last Empress, as I had to know how the story ends.
Elizabeth B. (
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was an engaging story with a strong-willed heroine, and lots of fascinating historical detail of Chinese culture and practices, written both tastefully and enjoyably. Recommended.
Carolyn E. from SAN MATEO, CA wrote on 4/7/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Empress Orchid sweeps readers into the heart of the Forbidden City to tell the fascinating story of a young concubine who becomes China's last empress. Min introduces the beautiful Tzu Hsi, known as Orchid, and weaves an epic of a country girl who seized power through seduction, murder, and endless intrigue.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Although a novel, it offers wonderful insight into the young woman who became the last Empress of China and ruled China through the Boxer rebellion. I can't wait for a sequel to read about what comes next!
Mel T. from SUNNYVALE, CA wrote on 2/18/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very entertaining story of a girl from the chinese countryside who is chosen to be a concubine of the emperor. The excess and danger of life in the forbidden city is fascinating, as is Orchid's rise as the emperor's favorite wife, and later, the unofficial ruler who helps continue the dynasty. I can't wait to read more books by this author!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another good Geisha book. Interesting look into the lives of Geisha but without the happy ending.
Ellen J. from PLYMOUTH, MA wrote on 6/19/2006...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
If you like historical fiction you will love this book I thought it was great. It is a little hard to get into at first but it was definately worth the time
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A masterful historical novel, portraying brutal and sexually charged political turmoil in the mid 19th century Forbidden City. Orchid is based on the true historical figure, Tzu Hsi, who was China's longest reigning woman ruler and last empress. A rich novel, full of articulately crafted details, and searing descriptions which haunt long after the last page is turned.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very well written. Almost unbelievable if history didn't have this recorded in multiple places.
Rate These Member Reviews
Ivy J. (I really enjoyed reading this book and think you will too. The story is engrossing and I found myself not able to put this one down. At times very sad, it's a beautiful story of ancient tradition and honor, as well as deceit and integrity. I highly recommend this one!
Mary F. from SUN CITY WEST, AZ wrote on 10/11/2006...Beautfilly written.
Karen C. from SPRINGFIELD, OR wrote on 6/19/2006..."A sexually charged, eye-opening protrayal of the Chinese empire...with heart-wrenching scenes of desperate failure and a sensuality that rises off its heated pages."-ELLE
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