Author : Anchee Min
Publication date : April 11th 2005 by Mariner Books
This is the first book of the the Empress Orchid series. Empress Orchid is one of my favorite historical fiction. The story is about Princess Yehonala, who soon became the last Empress of Qing Dynasti. She was also known as Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi, one of the most notable female ruler, unfortunately, China also fell apart on her hands.
is one of my favorite historical fiction. The story is about Princess Yehonala, who soon became the last Empress of Qing Dynasti. She was also known as Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi, one of the most notable female ruler, unfortunately, China also fell apart on her hands.
This book is more enjoyable than The Last Empress (Click here for The Last Empress review). It is an easy read, I finished it within no time. Empress Orchid to me is so good that I craved the sequel so bad (I had to wait more than a year for it, can you imagine that?) The first few chapters are mainly about Orchid's sad past and her life didn't seem to get better even when she was in The Forbidden City already. The luxuries there didn't mean you live happily. With more than 3000 women as your rival concubine, you know what a hard work it took to get the Emperor's attention.
to me is so good that I craved the sequel so bad (I had to wait more than a year for it, can you imagine that?) The first few chapters are mainly about Orchid's sad past and her life didn't seem to get better even when she was in The Forbidden City already. The luxuries there didn't mean you live happily. With more than 3000 women as your rival concubine, you know what a hard work it took to get the Emperor's attention.
Empress Orchid is almost like a biography. To me it feels as if Anchee Min interviewed the Empress herself. I kept on telling myself that I was reading a historical fiction, there must be some dramatizations there, however it feels quite real. I never interested in reading about China's history, but after reading this novel, I find myself digging more for other Chinese historical icons.
is almost like a biography. To me it feels as if Anchee Min interviewed the Empress herself. I kept on telling myself that I was reading a historical fiction, there must be some dramatizations there, however it feels quite real. I never interested in reading about China's history, but after reading this novel, I find myself digging more for other Chinese historical icons.
This is a fun read and if you like China based books, Empress Orchid is a must read.
is a must read.
As for the rating, I give it the big 4
Have you read this novel? What did you think about it?
