Book Reviews of Empress Orchid

Very interesting book which sheds a lot of detail about the day to day life of someone living inside the forbidden city walls

A San Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year in 2004, this book has rich details and colorful historical background. It reminded me of a fairy tale. This story is of China's last empress with a solid view into the Forbidden City. Elle calls it a "sexually charged eye-opening portrayal of the Chinese empire ..... sensuality that rises off its heated pages."

Historical novel about the early life of the last empress of China -- the infamous Dowager Empress, whom history has named a manipulative monster. While the character of Orchid is presented sympathetically here, and the detail of daily life in China's Imperial Court is fascinating, the story itself seems overlong. And it only goes through the early days of Orchid's regency.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

Another good Geisha book. Interesting look into the lives of Geisha but without the happy ending.

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

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.

Very well written. Almost unbelievable if history didn't have this recorded in multiple places.

I loved this book. It keeps you interested all the way through. I got to the end and just wanted to read more!

Interesting fictional account of life in Imperial China.

This is the fictionally written tale of Empress Orchid based on the real Empress Orchid Tsu Hsi, who ruled for forty-six years. It is an unforgettable tale of struggle both internally and externally. The circumstances of her life forced her to share a husband and son with the royal court and an entire country. Fascinating book!

I think this book good history, and no dount that, that time period is fasinating. But I would not recomend it to people that are 20 or younger due to sexual overtones and scenes

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!

Beautfilly written.

"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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