The ignorance in me thought that Chinese had always been one and only, but they do have certain ethnic groups. Manchu was one and their group ruled China in 1600s. Apart from this very interesting fact, I've always been fascinated about Chinese traditions, culture and monarchy. Their ways and particularities are so different from the English Monarchy that I am more familiar of. But just like any other field of politics, whatever continent, country and race, power is a widely universal currency to rule the nation.
The Orchid Empress delivers what the good reviews wrote about. It's a classic tale of a woman born during hard times, who had dreams, worked on those dreams, acquired power and eventually rules Greater China. The book gives us a vivid glimpse of China with their monarchy, traditions and the key roles that make the story turn. Eunuchs and empresses were put in a different light. This book was an educational and entertainment piece at the same time. According to reviews, it's loosely based on the life of Empress Dowager Cixi, the Dragon Lady. I heard that story narrated by our tourist guide when we were there in China.
Since majority of the story happened in the famous Forbidden City, I couldn't help but reminisce my China trip with my family last year. It was one of the most insightful trips I've ever done. Not only did I get to see the Forbidden City, but I was also able to climb the renowned Wall of China, learn about their magnificent history and breathe the air of a rising super power. The book did a good job bringing those palaces back to life. I especially liked how China named their palaces: "Palace of Eternal Beauty, Palace of Benevolence, Palace of Heavenly Purity." If I had to name a palace, I'd name it a Palace of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
The pressing problem is, I want to read the Last Empress, a sequel to the life of Lady Yehonala, but it seems it's sold out. I've checked two leading bookstores and it's gone. Just as I had feared.
No use procrastinating. Might as well read something else until I get a copy of that sequel.
The Orchid Empress delivers what the good reviews wrote about. It's a classic tale of a woman born during hard times, who had dreams, worked on those dreams, acquired power and eventually rules Greater China. The book gives us a vivid glimpse of China with their monarchy, traditions and the key roles that make the story turn. Eunuchs and empresses were put in a different light. This book was an educational and entertainment piece at the same time. According to reviews, it's loosely based on the life of Empress Dowager Cixi, the Dragon Lady. I heard that story narrated by our tourist guide when we were there in China.Since majority of the story happened in the famous Forbidden City, I couldn't help but reminisce my China trip with my family last year. It was one of the most insightful trips I've ever done. Not only did I get to see the Forbidden City, but I was also able to climb the renowned Wall of China, learn about their magnificent history and breathe the air of a rising super power. The book did a good job bringing those palaces back to life. I especially liked how China named their palaces: "Palace of Eternal Beauty, Palace of Benevolence, Palace of Heavenly Purity." If I had to name a palace, I'd name it a Palace of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
The pressing problem is, I want to read the Last Empress, a sequel to the life of Lady Yehonala, but it seems it's sold out. I've checked two leading bookstores and it's gone. Just as I had feared.
No use procrastinating. Might as well read something else until I get a copy of that sequel.
No comments:
Post a Comment