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Imperial Woman

The Story of the Last Empress of China

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Imperial Woman

By: Pearl S. Buck
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
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About this listen

The story of Tzu Hsi is the story of the last empress in China. In this audiobook, Pearl S. Buck recreates the life of one of the most intriguing rulers during a time of intense turbulence.

Tzu Hsi was born into one of the lowly ranks of the Imperial dynasty. According to custom, she moved to the Forbidden City at the age of 17 to become one of hundreds of concubines. But her singular beauty and powers of manipulation quickly moved her into the position of Second Consort. Tzu Hsi was feared and hated by many in the court, but adored by the people. The Empress’s rise to power (even during her husband’s life) parallels the story of China’s transition from the ancient to the modern way.

Pearl S. Buck’s knowledge of and fascination with the empress’s life are contagious. She reveals the essence of this self-involved and infamous last empress, at the same time she takes the listener through China’s struggle for freedom and democracy.

©1971 Pearl S. Buck (P)2011 Oasis Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction

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Profile Image for alison

Beautiful, loved it

I was so drawn in to the story and life within the Imperial Palace that I was quite at a loss when the book finished. I loved my daily visits to the Empress. Buck's beautiful descriptions of the robes, palace, gardens and even the food painted such vivid pictures it was almost like being there. It may not be historically acurate, but it gave a pretty good indication of what life was like then and afterall if you want factual history you can always read a text book.
I loved everything about this book, the way it was written, the characters and the story itself. Kirsten Potter's excellent narration only helped to increase my enjoyment of the book.
This was my second Pearl S. Buck book, my first being Peony, and I was not disappointed. I look forward to discovering more of her books.

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