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China

An Epic Novel

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 'The unparallelled master of the historical saga returns, this time, with an eye on China. Beginning with the First Opium War in 1839 and continuing through the present day, Rutherfurd tells a sweeping tale that brings to life a nation's history, traditions and the people who lived through it as if by magic' Newsweek

The internationally bestselling author portrays the great clash of East and West in his new epic: China

China in the nineteenth century: a proud and ancient empire forbidden to foreigners. The West desires Chinese tea above all other things but lacks the silver to buy it. Instead, western adventurers resort to smuggling opium in exchange.

The Qing Emperor will not allow his people to sink into addiction. Viceroy Lin is sent to the epicentre of the opium trade, Canton, to stop it. The Opium Wars begin - heralding a period of bloody military defeats, reparations, and one-sided treaties which will become known as the Century of Humiliation.

From Hong Kong to Beijing to the Great Wall, from the exotic wonders of the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, to squalid village huts, the dramatic struggle rages across the Celestial Kingdom. This is the story of the Chinese people, high and low, and the Westerners who came to exploit the riches of their ancient land and culture.

We meet a young village wife struggling with the rigid traditions of her people, Manchu empresses and warriors, powerful eunuchs, fanatical Taiping and Boxer Rebels, savvy Chinese pirates, artists, concubines, scoundrels and heroes, well-intentioned missionaries and the rapacious merchants, diplomats and soldiers of the West. Fortunes will rise and fall, loves will be gained and lost.

This is an unforgettable tale told from both sides of the divide. The clash of worldviews, of culture and heritage, is shown in a kaleidoscope of jaw-dropping set pieces. China is a feat of the imagination that will enthral, instruct and excite, and show us how things once were, and how the turmoil of the nineteenth century led to modern China's revolution and rebirth.
(P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton Limited©2020 Edward Rutherfurd Action & Adventure Asia China Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Fiction Thought-Provoking War Pirate

Critic reviews

takes an entertaining, educational journey through China's rich and complex history, geography, art, and diverse cultures during a tumultuous epoch
The unparallelled master of the historical saga returns, this time, with an eye on China. Beginning with the First Opium War in 1839 and continuing through the present day, Rutherfurd tells a sweeping tale that brings to life a nation's history, traditions and the people who lived through it as if by magic
A spectacularly glorious epic! . . . This barnstormer of a book can take its rightful place as a true historical epic
Bravo; this is a big, complex and utterly involving portrait of 19th-century China
It's a bravura performance, fizzing with incident, excitement and energy
Rich in detail, it'll give all readers pause for thought
All stars
Most relevant
This book is capable to change your view on China overall. Your recent “whys” for what they doing today could be significantly reconsidered on the basis of this work.

Amassing historical touch

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Edward Rutherfurd does it again. If you like long, very detailed historical novels this one is for you. Using three narrators is inspired and they worked together seamlessly.

Rutherfurd doesn't rely on constant explosive action to hold your attention but often builds tension slowly to climatic situations.

I feel I learned much about Chinese history and the Opium trade (and even more about British misrule and arrogance. And that's speaking as a Brit).

If I had any criticisms, they are not worth mentioning.

I would give it extra stars if I could.

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I learned so much from this book, my knowledge of China being almost nil. So appalled at British behaviour in China.

Another great Rutherford book

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It was very interesting to learn more about this period of China, and whilst the characters were largely fictional, the events are rooted in history. However, it is also those fictional characters who bring the history to life and draw the listener in to a different time and place. I’m quite sad to have finished!

A very enjoyable listen

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I wasn't sure if I'd like this book but I totally loved it. The performance was excellent for me and the story was fascinating. I have son other book by Edward Rutherfurd and I have procrastinated with it but I will start over now. I would recommend it.

Loved it.

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