From the Nobel Prize–winning author of The Good Earth: the New York Times–bestselling biography of Tzu Hsi, the concubine who became China’s last empress. In Imperial Woman, Pearl S. Buck brings to life the amazing story of Tzu Hsi, who rose from concubine status to become the working head of the Qing Dynasty. Born from a humble background, Tzu Hsi falls in love with her cousin Jung Lu, a … love with her cousin Jung Lu, a handsome guard—but while still a teenager she is selected, along with her sister and hundreds of other girls, for relocation to the Forbidden City. Already set apart on account of her beauty, she’s determined to be the emperor’s favorite, and devotes all of her talent and cunning to the task. When the emperor dies, she finds herself in a role of supreme power, one she’ll command for nearly fifty years. Much has been written about Tzu Hsi, but no other novel recreates her life—the extraordinary personality, together with the world of court intrigue and the period of national turmoil with which she dealt—as well as Imperial Woman. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Pearl S. Buck including rare images from the author’s estate.
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Such a wonderful way to gain insight into history in another part of the world!
Wonderfully written. You can feel the main character’s emotions and ambitions.
This book was okay. I felt it really dragged on and on with the same situations being repeated. I did like learning a bit more about China and it’s rich culture.
the last Manchu empress of China confronts the western powers taking over ports in her country.
Loved the traditions and culture . Informative and educational.
Beautifully written, the life of the last Empress is a view into the traditional Chinese center of power from her beginnings as a Manchu girl chosen as concubine, to her ascent to power as the Emperor Mother, I was fascinated by the world elevating the Most High to a pristine existence, the intrigue and connectedness holding the court in place and …
I learned a lot reading this book and appreciate all that the author did to inform us about a very unique time and place.
Learned a good bit of history of 19th century China. The book was very repetitive and often redundant.
Has been a favorite of mine since I first read it 50 years ago! Have reread it countless time since.
It’s a hard read but interesting
Pearl Buck builds characters that stay with you.
A wonderful classic. Better than I anticipated. Kept my interest all the way through.
Tzu Hsi (also written as Cixi), the last Empress of China, is a complex historical figure who has been evaluated in many different ways by historians. She ruled at the end of the Qing dynasty for 47 years, from 1861-1908. For a long time, the fall of the dynasty was attributed to her, but many now take the view that she inherited long term …