Rating: 
Summary: Stays with you
Review: This book will stay with you, long after you've put it down. The characters and writing are just incredible, and the pacing is superb. Initially I was a little put off by the locale and subject, not really being that interested in something that appeared to be so exotic, but my fears were quickly put to rest when I noticed that I had read three-quarters of the novel without even realizing it! Also recommended: Jackson McCrae's THE BARK OF THE DOGWOOD
Rating:
Summary: ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
Review: Though I do not follow Chinese History and have never read a novel by Anchee Minn, I was drawn to this book by the fascinating book description - and I am so glad that I was! I have read many books, and this novel is by far my favorite ever! The story is extemely well written, the characters well "fleshed" out, the historical references are well woven into the story and never weigh the plot down, and the storyline is always exciting - I couldn't put it down. This novel gave me a new appreciation for many of life's freedoms that we take for granted today. You will appreciate Orchid's travails, achievements, tragedies, and heartaches. These characters will touch your heart, and you will be thinking of them long after the book has ended. I can hardly wait for the second of the trilogy to arrive, but I will be sure to check out Minn's other novels in the meantime.
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