Scan barcode
A review by book_concierge
Empress Orchid by Anchee Min
3.0
Tzu Hsi (Orchid) enters the Forbidden City as one of thousands vying to be a concubine of Emperor Hsien Feng. Eventually she bears him a son and is elevated to rank of Empress. Her reputation in modern-day China is diabolical - she is blamed for the fall of the Qing dynasty. But reality is so much more! Certainly, she is flawed, but in a totally male dominated society she manages not only to survive but to wield enourmous power.
The woman, the time and the place are all fascinating. After I'd read the book I came to understand that the author plans a trilogy, and that this is the first installment. That would explain the somewhat abrupt ending.
The woman, the time and the place are all fascinating. After I'd read the book I came to understand that the author plans a trilogy, and that this is the first installment. That would explain the somewhat abrupt ending.