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.
more
This is a fascinating portrait of Tsu Hzi, a woman who became the emperor’s concubine, and ultimately ruled the Qing empire. The novel is rich with Chinese history, and full of characters who are neither-good-nor-evil.
Pearl S Buck at her best.
Lived it. They do not write books like this anymore.
I enjoy historic Chinese fiction. I have read several of Pearl S bucks books. She lived in China for many years with her parents who were missionaries. So some of the stories have factual backgrounds. I was thrilled to read the marble and the 100 year old gardens that I saw in China!
I rarely give up on a book but I couldn’t get through this. It is so slow.
Buck is one of my favorite authors. Her research and attention to details show.. She gives you a realistic view the life of an empress.
Great story line. In depth insight into the culture at that period of time. She is just an incredible story teller.
Read years ago-a classic as far as I am concerned. Love all of her books.
Pearl Buck’s writing is timeless
Great story and an interesting insight into chinese idiosyncracy. Chapters a bit long, I like them smaller. Well written, fast and entertaining with a few swamp zones.
Everything you expect from Buck and more . . .
Long and not well written. Woulda be of more interest if you know Chinese history
There is no better person
Books by Pearl Buck are ALWAYS fascinating.
Written by Pearl S. Buck, what is there to say? She’s a great story teller with a lot of history. Very fascinating. I personally found the Empress to be both charming and evil .In truth I did not like her and found that very uncomfortable
Pearl S. Buck once again draws upon her childhood experiences of living in China to paint a riveting tale of Imperial China. Buck’s female characters are not stereotyped subservient Chinese peasants, but strong-willed capable women who are a silent force who get things done. Imperial Woman is no exception.
You can’t go wrong with a Pearl S. Buck book. Love it!
There is no English-speaking author that makes the East Asian mind and cultures more accessible to English-speaking audiences than Pearl S. Buck. This narrative of the last empress of China reflects the same cultural understanding and sympathy told with nuanced phraseology as Buck’s Good Earth series, for which she won a Nobel Prize for …
One of Pearl Buck’s best.
This is one of Pearl Bucks best works. She grew up in Asia and learned a lot about the culture and history. I have read it before and still don’t completly understand the Empress. She wrote what Colonilists English, Russian, etc.did to take over the rule and take over traded etc.