Into China's Forbidden City in the last days of its imperial glory comes seventeen-year-old Tzu Hsi, known as Orchid. A minor concubine among hundreds of women vying to provide the Emperor an heir, Orchid takes matters into her own hands. Bribing her way into the royal bedchamber, she seduces the monarch, becoming his lover, the mother of his heir, the Empress, and, ultimately, the ruler of China.
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Into China's Forbidden City in the last days of its imperial glory comes seventeen-year-old Tzu Hsi, known as Orchid. A minor concubine among hundreds of women vying to provide the Emperor an heir, Orchid takes matters into her own hands. Bribing her way into the royal bedchamber, she seduces the monarch, becoming his lover, the mother of his heir, the Empress, and, ultimately, the ruler of China.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. A copy that has been read, but remains in excellent condition. Pages are intact and are not marred by notes or highlighting, but may contain a neat previous owner name. The spine remains undamaged. An ex-library book and may have standard library stamps and/or stickers. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.
I have long been fascinated by Chinese culture and history, have studied the Chinese Revolution and have read countless memoirs, fictional novels and historical accounts on the 'Sleeping Giant' that is China... Empress Orchid would definately have to be the most intriguing and mesmorising text I have EVER read!! Once I began reading it, I simly could not put it down.. It presents an alternative view of the woman who would become the Dowager Empress, contrary to the widely publicised impressions of her character; that she was in love with the concept of power, selfish, lacked compassion and above all, brought her empire to ruin.. Empress Orchid presents a tale that can be idolised as the 'real woman behind the rumours and scandal'... it is a tale that enables even the most conscientious historian to feel sympathy and compassion towards a woman, who from day one faced ridicule and jealousy, but who would do anything to protect her child... and who is wronged and conspired against by those around her.. Empress Orchid will bring you to tears, the sequel, The Last Empress is equally powerful, yet perhaps not so gripping... I strongly recommend Empress Orchid to anyone who loves to lose themself in a book, to those who are familiar with Chinese history and it's leaders... I warn you.. Your opinions of the Dowager Empress will change forever..
Jellypus
Jan 29, 2008
Scandelous Read
This was a great book full of drama and written full of detail. A great recommendation for all historical fiction readers. It starts off with a young girl of Manchurian descent given the opporutunity to become the emperor of China's concubine. The story continues on with her descent into the world of corruption and sex. Anchee Min brings you into the world of one of the later Chinese Dynasties.
