Empress Orchid
Empress Orchid
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Forbidden City, China • 1850s
2004
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
Empress Orchid by Anchee Min follows Tsu Hsi, born Orchid, as she navigates the treacherous and demanding life of an imperial consort in the late Ch’ing Dynasty. Rising from poverty, she becomes the emperor's favorite due to her ambition and intelligence, eventually bearing him a son and battling court politics to secure her place. The narrative explores power dynamics and survival in a collapsing regime.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Informative
Reviews & Readership
26,526 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Empress Orchid by Anchee Min offers a compelling portrayal of the last empress of China, with rich historical detail and vivid imagery. Readers appreciate the strong character development and immersive setting. However, some criticize the pacing and occasional melodrama. Overall, it's praised for weaving fiction and history into an engaging narrative. Min, Anchee. Empress Orchid. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2004.
Who Should Read Empress Orchid?
A reader who would enjoy Empress Orchid by Anchee Min is likely fascinated by historical fiction, particularly tales set in imperial China. Fans of Lisa See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha will appreciate Min's vivid portrayal of palace intrigue, cultural richness, and the complexities of a woman's role in a patriarchal society.
26,526 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
Forbidden City, China • 1850s
2004
Adult
16-18 years
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