Yip Mann, an elderly spice farmer, should have known better than to purchase a fifteen-year-old cherry-girl as his concubine, especially one beautiful enough to be seen as Ch'ien Gum - comparable to a thousand pieces of gold. But surely he deserves such a plaything to give him the last of his sons. To Yip Mann's dismay, the wilful concubine dies bearing him a worthless girl-child. After her death he must make use of the girl as best he can: by binding her feet in the forbidden practice of the Golden Lotus, he can sell her for a higher price. But the daughter he names Li-Xia - Beautiful One - has the fighting spirit of her rebellious mother, escaping the crippling bandages: she knows her feet will be her freedom. And when they lead her into the path of a mysterious 'foreign devil', Li-Xia takes the first steps on a new and perilous journey ...
Red Lotus
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'An engaging and entertaining read' PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'A sprawling family epic intent on capturing China's mystic flavour. Full of English heroes, Chinese villains and brave, virtuous women' METRO 'An atmospheric novel' BELLA 'The book is at turns harrowing and entertaining, the characters are strongly cast and the sights, smells, colours and noises of rural China spring to life' Courier Mail, Australia
Book Description
A wonderfully evocative epic novel in the bestselling tradition of Memoirs of a Geisha. Beautifully written and exquisitely told, Red Lotus is a captivating tale of forbidden love, passion and courage.
--This text refers to the
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Celia B
Format:Paperback
I found the novel a very gripping and interesting read. I found it quite emotive at times though I couldn't put it down.
There are very few dates and references to actual events so in a way, it's not really a historical fiction. One does however, learn a lot about the Chinese culture, their tendency to carry out superstitious practices and the lengths that they go to for the birth of a son. My only complaint however is that nearly all the Chinese male characters are portrayed in a very negative light as chauvinistic pigs and lack respect for women. There is also quite a bt of stereotyping
Set in early 1900s, the story tells of a daughter from 3 generations, who are oppressed by those close to them and their journey to challenge their destiny as perceived by others.
At the start of the novel is Pai Ling who has bound foot and becomes forth concubine of a spice farmer, Yik Munn who is old enough to be her grandad. he yearns for a male heir but receives Li Xia instead.
Li Xia is motherless from birth and it is her father's intention to sell her by the time she is 8 to a silk factory. Li Xia's fight for freedom and determination to turn her life around earns her the love and respect of a foreigner whom she marries and has a child with. Their happiness however is short lived and tragedy follows. Their child is separated from her parents at birth and is cared for by a close family friend and her cousin.The rest of the novel tells of the child's journey to find out about her family history outwitting many enemies on the way and eventually finding love.
There are very few dates and references to actual events so in a way, it's not really a historical fiction. One does however, learn a lot about the Chinese culture, their tendency to carry out superstitious practices and the lengths that they go to for the birth of a son. My only complaint however is that nearly all the Chinese male characters are portrayed in a very negative light as chauvinistic pigs and lack respect for women. There is also quite a bt of stereotyping
Set in early 1900s, the story tells of a daughter from 3 generations, who are oppressed by those close to them and their journey to challenge their destiny as perceived by others.
At the start of the novel is Pai Ling who has bound foot and becomes forth concubine of a spice farmer, Yik Munn who is old enough to be her grandad. he yearns for a male heir but receives Li Xia instead.
Li Xia is motherless from birth and it is her father's intention to sell her by the time she is 8 to a silk factory. Li Xia's fight for freedom and determination to turn her life around earns her the love and respect of a foreigner whom she marries and has a child with. Their happiness however is short lived and tragedy follows. Their child is separated from her parents at birth and is cared for by a close family friend and her cousin.The rest of the novel tells of the child's journey to find out about her family history outwitting many enemies on the way and eventually finding love.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Armea
Format:Paperback
Wow, what an amazing book. Stirring up all kinds of emotions as the author takes you through a journey so intricately detailed you could imagine that you are watching the events unfold in front of your own eyes. Without giving the story away, I just have to say how thoroughly enjoyable this book is and if you choose not to read it, you would be missing out.
10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have just finished this and really enjoyed it. I have recently started reading books along the same of lines, Empress Orchid and Last Empress by Anchee Min and others and I enjoyed this one the most.
The story follows a young girl struggles in the early 1900's. Starts with her in a family who dont want her, then being sent to a silk factory working her way up, then tragedy strikes. However a chance of good luck lends it way to her.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes this genre or anyone looking for a change of read
The story follows a young girl struggles in the early 1900's. Starts with her in a family who dont want her, then being sent to a silk factory working her way up, then tragedy strikes. However a chance of good luck lends it way to her.
I would recommend this to anyone who likes this genre or anyone looking for a change of read
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3.8 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read
Although the book is quite sad in parts, without saying too much it has an overall happy ending. I couldn't put this down once i'd started it
Published 2 months ago by SJH
1.0 out of 5 stars
The most miserable book i've ever read
It starts sad. life gets better for her. Back to sad. You start to enjoy the story and then BAM. I began to think why did i start this book.
New young life which starts well. Read more
New young life which starts well. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mrs Beverley Griffiths
5.0 out of 5 stars
Red Lotus-an exotic story
I really enjoyed this story of forbidden love whose characters are full of passion and courage and have the determination to overcome the terrible difficulties that they face so... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Ashley Gibb
2.0 out of 5 stars
Cardboard characters in China
The first thing to explain is that this is actually two novels - one which follows loosely on from the other. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Kublai Dom
3.0 out of 5 stars
women's treatment in China in the past
This book deals with women's positions in society and is shown over three generations. The style of writing Is simple, keeps the story flowing. Read more
Published 17 months ago by An old granny
3.0 out of 5 stars
Misleading author name
After struggling through several pages, I thought I'd find out a bit more about the author.
I was rather taken aback to find that, according to his website, 'Pai Kit... Read more
I was rather taken aback to find that, according to his website, 'Pai Kit... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Greenhill
5.0 out of 5 stars
same as
The concubines daughter is a fabulous book, and I couldnt put it down.......however I have just opened my next book RED LOTUS.............. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Orla
4.0 out of 5 stars
Oriental tale about fighting the destiny and fighting for love
I am a huge fan of oriental and exotic stories with 'the Memoirs of a Geisha' being my ultimate favourite. Read more
Published on 12 April 2011 by keen-reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of those that you must read
i loved reading this book. it was hard to put it down. gripping story, a couple of happy moments and sad moments to keep the story interesting. Read more
Published on 7 Mar 2011 by Ms. S. V. Moyo
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good book
I really enjoyed this book although I found that somtimes there was a lot description rather than action. Read more
Published on 6 Mar 2011 by Monkey31
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