The Last Empress Audiobook By Anchee Min cover art

The Last Empress

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At the end of the nineteenth century, China is rocked by humiliating foreign attacks and local rebellions. The only constant is the power wielded by one woman: the resilient, ever-resourceful Tzu Hsi, also known as Empress Orchid.

Moving from the intimacy of the concubine quarters into the spotlight of the world stage, Orchid makes a dramatic metamorphosis from a strong-willed young woman to a wise political leader, who must not only face the perilous condition of her fading empire but also a series of devastating personal losses. Yearning to step aside yet growing constantly into her role, only she can hold the nation's rival factions together...

©2007 Anchee Min (P)2007 Recorded Books Historical Fiction China Imperial Japan Fiction Literary Fiction Genre Fiction

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All americans should read this book to open their eyes to new perspectives on foreign policy. Orchid's touching story is one of courage, strength, daring, intelligence and deep love.

Inspirational and eye-opening!

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This audio book picked up Cixi's story where Empress Orchid left off. It covered her life after the death and funeral of her Emperor husband's death until her death. After reading non-fiction accounts of Cixi's life this book seems to follow the accomplishments of her life and the steps she took as a leader to modernize China.

Although it is a work of fiction, and no one can really know the details of her relationships, she was the ruler of China as regent for two child Emperor's and therefore wielded great power. The paradox she had to deal with was that the Chinese saw themselves as a superior and advanced civilization and so did the Western countries. The clash of cultures was enormous as Eastern and Western cultures tried to find some common ground to begin their negotiations.

As the product of Western civilization and the conveniences of what began with the Industrial Revolution it is difficult to imagine a people who would not welcome these wonders. But the Chinese had a different world view full of different priorities and values.

One must listen with an open mind and learn about this totally foreign world.

Great sequel to Empress Orchid

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Our book group chose the two books by this author and audible was the only place I found them in an auditory format.
Long stories both but very interesting Chinese history
It will be an interesting discussion for us

The last empress

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Still good but there is far less focus on the characters and more about highlighting all the troubles China had to endure via military decisions and societal pressures.

Nice sequel

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The long pauses between chapters and paragraphs is disconcerting as I kept thinking my player was causing problems. There were too many things described in the story that weren't available in China at the time, such as French hair dye, cupcakes, dollars etc. My students were confused.

Confusing

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