Book Review - "The Scholar's Blade" by Chris Emmett

 

A blistering, powerful retelling of one of the critical battles fought near Shanghai in 1860 between the Taiping Army led by Hong Xiuquan and a band of Euro-American mercenaries hired by the Qing government. The cinematic prose makes the action-packed scenes jump off the page, leaving the reader breathless from start to finish.

The Taiping Rebellion is a cataclysmic event that took place in 19th century China, which exposed the absurd incompetence of the Qing administration. Like other revolts in Chinese history, abject poverty and destitution of peasants exacerbated by famine was the root cause. On top of that, the Qing government had repeatedly bent to the will of foreign nations in terms of trade and territorial concessions and this had stoked the Han Chinese's anger and distrust of the Manchu rulers. Also, the Qing government shamelessly hired foreign military aid to crush the Han peasant rebels. It can be said that the Taiping Rebellion heralded the subsequent Boxer Rebellion.

There is an obvious dearth of English-language fiction that describes the Taiping Rebellion and this novel certainly fills a glaring gap. 

 

 

History Professor's 5-Star Review of Tales of Ming Courtesans

It's never been easy to promote my historical Chinese novels to the English book world that's heavily Eurocentric in the historical fiction genre. But every once in a while, a reader appreciates the key message of your novel and writes a glowing review of it. Today I've come across one such review. I've reposted below the Goodreads 5-star review by history professor Harry Miller:-

 

"Tales of Ming Courtesans is a freedom book. Utilizing an approach that is very different from Lisa See’s in her Peony in Love, Alice Poon has created characters that do more than make the most of miserable situations. Rather, they rail at the injustice of them and seek liberation. In one passage, Poon credits very liberal expressions to the Hangzhou merchant Wang Ranming and includes a ringing endorsement from Liu Rushi, perhaps the most intrepid of the three Ming courtesans portrayed in this book:

‘Confucius was dead wrong to have classed women as inferior humans. Just think of all the female talent that has gone to waste over the past several millennia because of that stupid gender discrimination! Aiya, too tragic! And our society is so depraved to exploit girls from poor families and allow the thin horse [human trafficking and procurement] trade to thrive! Why aren’t learned men ashamed at just ignoring it and do nothing about it! Let me tell you this: [Qian] Qianyi and I have always shared the same view on this issue. We have even planned to jointly petition the Emperor to ban the slave trade. That’s why we are great friends!’

‘Ah, now I understand why you call your boat the “Untethered Villa”! You are a freedom lover, true? Wasn’t it the Song poet Su Shi who had used the term “untethered boat” to portray his freedom from the burdens of officialdom?’ (p. 183)

Such discourse was indeed atypical of old China, but it was not unimaginable in the late Ming dynasty, when traditional dogma came under bold scrutiny and received norms of gender relations were challenged. Of course, Liu Rushi and her sisters are not merely interested in “freedom from the burdens of officialdom” but are desperately seeking to escape from brutal chains of control and chronic abasement. As their desperation increases, idealistic talk of freedom fades, and only the struggle for survival remains.

Nonetheless, they fight the good fight. Tales of Ming Courtesans is compelling, very exciting, and hard to put down. Readers will be sorry when it’s over, and if they are like me, they will be eager to learn more about Liu Rushi and her extraordinarily forward-thinking times."

 

Book Review: "The Ming Storytellers" by Laura Rahme

 

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.

 

Book Review - "She Who Became the Sun" by Shelley Parker-Chan

 

This was absolutely one of my favorite reads in 2021! Finally I've found an author whose vibrant writing I want to study closely by re-reading. The publisher compares her writing with that of Madeleine Miller (I had read The Song of Achilles, and suffice it to say that Miller's style was a little too fluffy for my taste). But Parker-Chan's style resonates much more with me for its from-the-heart frankness and deep vibrancy in depictions of human nature and emotions.

The novel is marketed as fantasy, but in fact the fantasy element is minimal. A more accurate description would be alternative history fiction with a dash of sapphic romance.

The history of Zhu Yuanzhang's legendary rise from peasant status to become a rebel leader who eventually ends the Mongol-ruled Yuan dynasty and takes the throne as the first Ming Emperor would be well-known to most ethnic Chinese readers.

This novel upends the gender of this iconic historical character and creates an epic story out of the premise "what if he were a she?"

A discerning reviewer has commented that the novel is probably targeted at a bilingual audience, as Chinese slang/profanities and aphorisms are sprinkled throughout the novel. I have to say that this interesting observation was one of the things that nudged me to pick up the novel sooner.

Many secondary characters are real historical characters (like Ming Empress Ma, Zhu's closest allies Xu Da and Chang Yuchun, Yuan Mongol warlord Chaghan Temur, his nephew Wang Baobao etc.) A search of history texts has revealed that Esen Temur was actually the brother of the Yuan prime minister Tuo Tuo (or Toqto'a) who was not related to Chaghan Temur, but is fictionalized in the novel to play the latter's eldest son.

The novel basically centers on Zhu's internal struggles at first with an assumed identity (she took her brother's identity to survive) and then with her own justification in trying to acquire the throne at all costs. The main character General Ouyang is an entirely fictional character, and much care has been put into molding this deliciously dangerous and tragic antagonist who is a eunuch general fighting for the Yuan Mongols and who is tortured by hatred and unattainable love. The Ma character (whom Zhu would eventually marry) is given a portrayal of personality very close to real history.

The plot twists around thrilling political machinations and internecine feuds in both the rebels camp and the Yuan camp as well as field battles that keep readers on their toes, while also delving deep into sexual urges of lesbian and gay lovers, with overarching themes of loyalty, betrayal, racial oppression, vengeance and compulsive-obsessive ambitions.

This was one of the best reads for me in 2021. I'm giving it 4.7 stars rounded up. 

Book Review - "The Flower Boat Girl" by Larry Feign

 

This was a very entertaining read about a legendary woman pirate from 19th Century Southern China. The prose was lush, sensual and pellucid. It was almost like watching an action movie.

The account of how pirates struggle with manipulating authorities, volatile and deadly weather, interpersonal conflicts, skirmishes with other pirates and all sorts of sea-faring hardships came fully alive on the page.

The thing I liked best about the novel was the bitter-sweet relationship between the protagonist and her pirate husband Cheng Yat. It was a tumultuous one to say the least, at once mutually dependent and mutually resentful, full of drama, competition, jealousy, tension and forgiveness. It felt super real and touching.

As one reviewer has already pointed out, in Part IV, Cheng Yat Sou's approach towards snatching the leader role in the Confederation of Pirates was glossed over and not quite convincing enough. The character of Cheung Po Tsai also came across as a little blurry.

I have no hesitation in recommending this novel to anyone who loves a downright good story. I'm giving it 4.4 stars.

 

1st Birthday Celebration Special Price Offer for Tales

 

This SPECIAL OFFER is only for ONE DAY!

 

 

Charlie Reads China - Review of Tales of Ming Courtesans

 

When a reviewer finds deep resonance with your novel, that must be one of the most satisfying moments for a writer.

 

Quote from the review:-

 

"Tales of Ming Courtesans is a very skilful work, interweaving three well-known stories in a rich and rewarding setting. It is poignant and melodramatic in the best sense of that word, full of emotion, compassion, flashes of shock and tear-stained confessions." 

 

Link to the Full Review 

 

I'm also happy to note that other reviews included those of two upcoming releases: She Who Became the Sun (historical fantasy) and China (epic historical fiction).

 

 

 

Instagram Video Introducing My Novels

 I'm so grateful that this French blogger (Une Occidentale en Chine) took the time and trouble to create an Instagram video to introduce my novels: The Green Phoenix and Tales of Ming Courtesans.

Link to the Video

 

Thank you Krys!

SCMP Review of Tales of Ming Courtesans

 

I had the privilege of being interviewed by the incredible Annemarie Evans in November, and am very thankful for her nice write-up on my novel Tales of Ming Courtesans for the SCMP. The article has been published today!

 

Excerpts:-

 

Although it is fictional, Poon meticulously researched the era, and her work is rich in its descriptions of the food, architecture, clothing, music, poetry, cultural references and calligraphy of the period. For those new to Ming dynasty courtesan culture, the poetry and constrained Confucian lives of both men and women of the era, hers is a gentle and descriptive introduction.

 

They (Liu Rushi, Chen Yuanyuan & Li Xiangjun) were central to China's cultural and literary life, and Poon was keen to give these women a voice so they would not be forever remembered as minor characters in historical narratives written by men. 

 

She writes about the perilous nature of the women’s existence: dependent on the whims of the households they were sold into, while trying to make sure their lovers did not come under too much pressure from their own families and wives.

 

Paintings exist of all three courtesans, and their stories have featured in televised and literary accounts. Now, Poon has offered an alternative, and perhaps more authentic, picture of their lives.

 

Link to the Full Article

The World of Chinese Review of Tales of Ming Courtesans

 

Having your historical novel reviewed in a popular cultural magazine is already quite a privilege. To see the review written thoughtfully by a well-known historian well versed in Chinese History is absolutely humbling. I owe a debt of thanks to Jeremiah Jenne the wonderful reviewer and The World of Chinese magazine.

 

Here's a quote from the review:-

 

"Though the super courtesan team-up probably never existed, it’s still fun to imagine the historical possibilities if it had—such is the liberating fun of reading a novelist who is also a historian. With characters as rich as these and a writer as expressive as Poon, who needs CGI, anyway?"

 

Link to the Full Review 

 

 

Book Review - "The Burning God" by R. F. Kuang

 

First off, I must say that Rebecca Kuang is a brilliant writer. It takes someone with serious talent to pull off this very complicated history-fantasy plot with myriads of characters. She seemed to have done it effortlessly. She has my admiration.

This final volume The Burning God of The Poppy War trilogy takes readers through another roller-coaster of endless bloodsheds and gore and hatred. Rin has evolved into a recalcitrant and power-obsessed general who is becoming more and more cold-blooded in her blind strife for revenge against domestic foes (Vaisra Yin and Nezha Yin and their Republic) and foreign ones (Hesperians) alike.

In her desperation, she leads her Southern Army to trek through rough terrain all the way to Mount Tianshan to seek help from Riga the shaman tyrant (the long trek parallels Mao Zedong’s famous long march), but the quest is fruitless. Undaunted, Rin heads straight to Nezha’s military base in his hometown Arlong to challenge his protector the Dragon god. She wins the battle, forcing Nezha to flee to Speer Island. She also sees Nezha as an involuntary puppet at Hesperia’s beck and call. But she finds no loyalty from the Arlong people. Paranoia begins to set in. She heads south to her own hometown Tikany in search for support, but what awaits her is a war-weary and destitute populace. She decides on a face-off with Nezha on Speer Island.

The entire series explores themes of obsession with and illusion of power, racism, class bigotry, cultural conflicts and values gap between nations. The wide range seems a tad ambitious.

I found this third and final volume a bit tedious at times, especially when reading repetitive expressions of melodramatic emotions and reactions of the protagonist. I’ve always had an aversion to series, because the narrative often tends to drag unnecessarily just to fill pages (which translates into higher profit for publishers). This is also true of this trilogy, notwithstanding plot complexities and colorful characters, especially when each of the three books is over 600 pages long. I would definitely have liked it better if the story was condensed into just two volumes.

Specifically, the long trek to Mount Tianshan in this final volume, which is chronologically inaccurate from history’s perspective anyway, seems to have been inserted as a page filler in an afterthought, rather than developed organically from the narrative flow.

I’m giving this Book #3 of the trilogy 3 stars.

 

PS: Since finishing all three books in the trilogy, I've had second thoughts about the author's plot points choices. It's well understood that the story is based on the Second Sino-Japanese War in general and the Nanjing massacre in particular. In The Popper War there's the insensitive playing upon the Nanjing massacre victims's sufferings for melodramatic effects. The whole idea of making a gender-bending parody out of a prominent albeit unlikable historical character (Mao Zedong) and of exploiting a piece of traumatic Chinese history for the sake of profit-making doesn't sit well with me.

 

 

 

 

Book Review - "The Dragon Republic" by R. F. Kuang

 

This is sequel #2 in The Poppy War trilogy. It was as compelling as the first novel. The writing is lush and scenes are graphically presented. Rin’s internal torment and physical pain felt so real on the page!

The plot thickens as the Nikan Empire is stricken by the aftermath of the Mugenese invasion and the power struggles between the northern Warlords led by the Empress and the southern Warlords headed by the Dragon Republic leader Vaisra, Nezha’s father.

We see Rin guilt-ridden over her using the fire power of the Phoenix vindictively to annihilate the whole Mugenese island. While at a loss as to what to do next, Rin gets reunited with Kitay in the city under the control of the pirate queen Moag. Nezha appears at this juncture and convinces them both to join forces with the Dragon Republic to resist the imminent attack mounted by the Empress and her allies. Rin learns that Vaisra intends to enlist the help of Hesperia, the blue-eyed foreign nation, but she remains wary of the latter’s true intentions.

Meanwhile, her fire power is lost due to a god’s blockage. A fierce naval battle between the two sides breaks out at Lake Boyang. The Empress’s side has the help of the wind-commanding shaman Feylen, which gives her the edge. The plot then branches off to tell the history of enmity between the steppe shamans and the Nikan imperial rulers. By chance, with the help of a steppe shaman, Rin’s fire power is restored and enhanced by a spiritual bond forged with Kitay. They are ready to protect the Dragon Republic, but in the end find they have backed the wrong side. Unexpected perfidy forces Rin to assume a life-changing role in the civil war.

Here are some passages that I found resonating:

The sheer arrogance, Rin thought. It must be nice, possessing all the power, so you could approach geopolitics like a chess game, popping in curiously to observe which countries deserved your aid and which didn’t.

It’s not about who you are, it’s about how they see you. And once you’re mud in this country, you’re always mud.

‘Those devils are going to destroy our world. The Hesperians have a singular vision for the future, and we are not in it.’

The Nikara had been fighting among themselves for a millennium. Were they going to stop just because they could vote for their rulers? And who was going to vote for those rulers? People like Auntie Fang?

He could spout all the ideology he wanted, but she knew better. The Nikara were never going to rule themselves, not peacefully, because there was no such thing as a Nikara at all.

I’m giving this novel 4 stars. 

 

French Blogger's Review of Tales of Ming Courtesans

I've always had a soft spot for the French language and literature. Discovering a French blogger's genuine appreciation of the three heroines of my new novel Tales of Ming Courtesans is nothing less than sheer ecstasy, because this represents a mutual love of each other's literary culture!

This is my translation of the last paragraph of the blogger's (Une Occidentale en Chine) review:

"I heartily recommend this book to you, which, despite all the harshness it describes, also shows us the beauty and the power of these women who kindled and inspired the greatest literary icons of the period."

"Je vous conseille réellement ce livre qui malgré toute la dureté qu’il comporte nous montre aussi la beauté et la force de ces femmes qui ont enflammées et inspirées les plus grands littérati de cette période."

Here's the link to the full review in French (you can click on the language of your choice on the right-hand side of the website):

Full Review

 

 

Book Review - "Mistress Miao" by Yun Rou

I had the pleasure of reading an earlier version of the novel and was impressed with the writing and the author's knowledge of Chinese history and culture. The protagonist Miao is loosely based on a real-life 12th century female rebel leader called Yang Miaozhen, who married and joined forces with Li Quan, a Jurchen bandit leader. They first defected from the Jurchen Jin Dynasty to Southern Song, then rebelled against Southern Song, and later pledged allegiance to the Mongols.

The story runs on a dual time-line, alternating between present-day America and China, and 12th century China, and is punctuated with Chinese mythological elements. The bizarre happenings in the lives of present-day interracial couple Lulu (ethnic Chinese) and Solomon (American) and in the life of 12th century Miao are woven tightly and intriguingly to leave the reader breathless. The modern-day narrative in large part involves Solomon's visit to China in a desperate quest for a way to save Lulu's life. He discovers more than he can handle.

The novel was quirky in places but did have a deeper message. It was an entertaining read overall.

 

Tales of Ming Courtesans - Print Copies Available in Hong Kong

 My author friend in Hong Kong, Les Bird, sent this photo to me! It was taken at the Bookazine IFC store. Bless him! He's the author of A Small Band of Men and will be featured at the upcoming Hong Kong International Literary Festival. Congrats, Les!

 

Tales of Ming Courtesans - UK & Europe Release

For folks located in the U.K. and Europe, the wait for the paperback release is over!

 

 

 

Book Review - The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

This was a deeply engrossing read! The sad news is that this talented Spanish novelist has just passed on June 19. May he rest in peace! 

The story, set in Barcelona around the mid-1900s (from the start of the Spanish Civil War to 1956), revolves around a young booklover Daniel Sempere’s quest to solve the mystery as to why someone has been seeking to burn all the books written by a certain little-known author Julian Carax. We follow Daniel’s personal growth journey that witnesses his transformation from an immature lad caught in and wounded by his puppy love for an older but sophisticated woman, to a compassionate young adult who has come to learn the meaning of true love and how not to squander it.

While on this journey, we follow Daniel into another world, a world with Julian Carax and Javier Fumero at the epicenter, two childhood friends turned archenemies. This maze of a world is full of gothic intrigue and mystery and spins around unrequited love, soured brotherhood, jealousy, cruel personal vendetta and brutal political machinations at the expense of innocent lives, but it is also illumined with true and selfless love and loyal friendship. Daniel discovers that where love is concerned, his fate runs almost parallel to Julian’s: his lover Bea eludes him just as Julian’s Penelope remains out of reach. But ultimately, Daniel is much luckier than Julian.

Daniel is the main narrator of the story, but toward the end a long chapter is devoted to Nuria Montfort’s narration, and Nuria is the woman who falls inextricably in love with Julian but knows his heart belongs to Penelope. Nuria is also the one who holds the key to the mystery that Daniel has been trying to unravel, and for this she pays dearly.

From the author’s lively description of the streetscapes and landscapes of Barcelona, one can sense his intimate love for the city in which he was born.

Here are some of my favorite passages:

One of the pitfalls of childhood is that one doesn’t have to understand something to feel it. By the time the mind is able to comprehend what has happened, the wounds of the heart are already too deep.

One loves truly only once in a life time, Julian, even if one isn’t aware of it.

Beas says that the art of reading is slowly dying, that it’s an intimate ritual, that a book is a mirror that offers us only what we already carry inside us, and that when we read, we do it with all our heart and mind, and great readers are becoming more scarce by the day.

My heart ached for Julian when I put down the novel. I’m giving this novel 4.6 stars, rounded up to 5.