For fans of historical fiction, The Last Empress by Anchee Min might be right up your alley. The novel tells the true story of Tzu Hsi, the last empress of China. Set during the late 19th century the book goes through such historical events as the Boxer Rebellion, and opium wars.
The novel is a sequel to “Empress Orchid” which covers the life of Tzu Hsi during her marriage to the Emperor.
Junior Eliza Davidson is reading the novel now and loves it. She said she likes it because it gives her a chance to dive in to a new culture.
Plus, she loves reading about women who kick butt. Davidson thinks it’s cool that Tzu Hsi did not come from royalty. Tzu Hsi had to rule through her son until his death of a venereal disease in 1875.
Filled with intrigue, suspense and drama, The Last Empress is the perfect way to brush up on some Chinese history.
