Empress Orchid
by Anchee Min
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Book Summary Information
Author: Anchee MinEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-04-11
ISBN: 0618562036
Number of pages: 368
Publisher: Mariner Books
Book Reviews of Empress Orchid
Book Review: A Different View of Tzu Hsi
Summary: 5 Stars
Anchee Min gives us a look at the way life might have been behind the forbidden walls and how the Empress Tzu Hsi may have come to power.
She shows how China, in the 1850's, was badly in need of a paradigm shift. Local officials were held accountable for crops, and if there was a drought, beheadings would surely follow. Palace life for everyone from the concubines to the generals was a "de-meritocracy". Being or looking too good could be life threatening, not only for you, but your family, associates and staff. Min shows us an over-ceremonialized, superstitious society, spinning ever inward.
This is not a government equipped to deal with the the Europeans who have come trade and spread Christianity. Prince Kung's idea of learning English and diplomacy is too far out for his brother the emperor to understand, but emperors are not selected for their management, military or leadership skills. They are winners in the roulette of palace intrigue.
This book is particularly good when it speculates on life in the palace. The concubine's family is handsomely paid. She goes off in style, and may not return, to a world of pampered wealth. She has a large staff to bathe, dress and feed her alone. To assure her chastity, a eunuch sleeps in her room. She's given an allowance to pay this staff and buy gifts for peers and superiors at ceremonial occasions. Her job is to wait, (gazing at images of fertility). With 3,000 other concubines, wait is all most do. For all fertility potential, this particular emperor has only two children... which is only one of the management inefficiencies of the palace system.
I believe this description of life is possible and probable. I also think the description of Tzu Hsi's maneuvering is possible and probable. Where I belive this book diverges from reality is the description of the character of Tzu Hsi. History may have treated her more harshly than her predecessors, but there does not seem to be much real life evidence that her thinking and behavior rose above the palace norms. She may have been the epitome of it all.
This is a fiction book, and Min's poetic license is well used. Because Min has created a sympathetic Tzu Hsi, we stay interested in this story.
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