This is a brilliant and humanizing portrayal of the great Ming eunuch
navigator Zheng He, cast in an intricate and layered plot redolent of
15th century Chinese court machinations and commoners' fights for
self-preservation and survival, with delicious side tracks to an array
of ethnic and international scenes that are filled with indigenous
colors, sights and sounds.
I can't imagine how copious the amount of research that was necessary to create this exquisite and complex story.
Having said that, I find some Chinese historical/cultural details to be a bit off, and that miraculous coincidences take place a touch too often throughout the story.
Overall, it was a most enjoyable read that's worth 4 full stars.
I can't imagine how copious the amount of research that was necessary to create this exquisite and complex story.
Having said that, I find some Chinese historical/cultural details to be a bit off, and that miraculous coincidences take place a touch too often throughout the story.
Overall, it was a most enjoyable read that's worth 4 full stars.
