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Empress Orchid
 
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Empress Orchid (Paperback)

by Anchee Min (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

36 Reviews
5 star:
 (17)
4 star:
 (10)
3 star:
 (5)
2 star:
 (3)
1 star:
 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
4.1 out of 5 stars (36 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars an easy read, Sep 28 2007
By Toni Osborne "The Way I See It" (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: Empress Orchid: A Novel (Hardcover)

This is a fictionalized account of Empress Tsu His (known as Orchid) who was the power behind the throne of the Ch'ing Dynasty in the 19th century. According to the author the characters are base on real people and the events kept closed to the events in history. The decrees and poems were translated from the original documents:

In the 1850's European incursions and peasant rebellions were already undermining the Dynasty. At the same time Orchid born in to poverty came to the Forbidden City to be one of the emperor's seven wives. The young emperor Hsien Feng had neither the temperament nor the training to lead his country.

Of all his wives and concubines, Orchid was the only one to produce a male heir giving her privileges. At the emperor's death in 1861, Orchid through the power of seduction and murder and with her diplomatic and manipulative skills took control of the court and became the ruler.

This book is the description of a woman managing to come to power in a male-dominated society where love is survival, seduction is power and treachery is a way of life. The story is told in the first person, Orchid tells her story with passion. I found Min's writing compelling and the descriptions (of palaces, dresses and events) very colourful making the subject fascinating and different. The story is slow moving an easy read. I think people that follow historical fiction will enjoy this book, I surely did.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Invites the reader to more, Jun 24 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Empress Orchid: A Novel (Hardcover)
Knowing relatively little about this place or time, this book held my interest and invited me to learn more. I may find out that there were gross misprepresentations of fact but suspect that the book was of sufficient accuracy to be worth the my time. Anchee Min painted a sweeping portrait of life in the Chinese imperial court with its opulence and varied layers motives and relationships. Fictionalized or not, it does give insight into the histroy of China and the events and beliefs that have brought it into the present time. If you are seeking a strictly informational book, you will be disappointed but I doubt that this was ever the author's intent.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Mind Candy for the Imagination, Jun 4 2004
By wskrz "wskrz" (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Empress Orchid: A Novel (Hardcover)
Empress Orchid is one of those books that once you start reading, not only is it difficult to put down, but the story wraps itself around you and is reluctant to let go. Min's narration is lush and captivating. I'm looking forward to the other books in the series!
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 		 Most recent customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Min fan
I have enjoyed all of Min's books, "Wild Ginger" and "Red Azalea" being two other favorites. Read more
Published on May 18 2004

3.0 out of 5 stars Oh Please!
All thru this book I just kept saying: "Give me a break!" I just wanted it to end....
Published on May 16 2004 by snowblaze

1.0 out of 5 stars Customized for Westerners.
Author tried so hard to sell this book to English speakers. Facts conflict with the Chinese history though authors "claims" her "version" is true. Read more
Published on May 7 2004

2.0 out of 5 stars Weak plot, weaker writing
I don't understand how this book has received so many positive reviews. I have read "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden and I think reading that has ruined me. Read more
Published on April 29 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Stays with you
This book will stay with you, long after you've put it down. The characters and writing are just incredible, and the pacing is superb. Read more
Published on April 26 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't get it out of my mind!!
I highly recommend Empress Orchid. It is definately my favorite fbook so far this year. It is easy to read and a real page turner. Read more
Published on April 23 2004

2.0 out of 5 stars Boring and amateurish
I am surprised to see so many positive reviews of this book. This is a silly book with ridiculous use of simile: . . . Read more
Published on April 12 2004 by Miriam Kairey

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
The book's main character, Orchid, achieves one of the highest statures that a peasant in the Chinese Empire can attain. Read more
Published on April 9 2004 by Leeanne

4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing
I think from the fact that I finished it in 2 days explains how exciting it was. Having read "The Last Empress" which depicted quite a negative view of the last Empress,... Read more
Published on April 2 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Stellar
This book also reminded me of MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA in its execution and style. But EMPRESS ORCHID is different in that Min takes this book to an entirely new level. Read more
Published on April 1 2004

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