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China

An Epic Novel
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( 8,307 ratings, 831 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
China by Edward Rutherfurd is a sweeping historical narrative set against the backdrop of 19th-century China. The story interweaves the lives of richly drawn characters as they navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing society. Themes of love, power, and tradition unfold amidst the Western influence creeping into China's imperial landscape.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy epic tales with a romantic narrative woven through significant historical events. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chinese history, it intertwines personal and cultural stories, offering a lush exploration of human relationships amidst sweeping changes. If you are captivated by rich, immersive storytelling with a touch of romance grounded in history, this book could be a delightful addition to your reading list.

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The International bestselling novel that is an unforgettable, sweeping tale of nineteenth-century China.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER 'Bravo; this is a big, complex and utterly involving portrait of 19th-century China' THE TIMES The internationally bestselling author portrays the great clash of East and West in his new epic: China

China in the nineteenth century: a proud and ancient empire forbidden to foreigners. The West desires Chinese tea above all other things but lacks the silver to buy it. Instead, western adventurers resort to smuggling opium in exchange.

The Qing Emperor will not allow his people to sink into addiction. Viceroy Lin is sent to the epicentre of the opium trade, Canton, to stop it. The Opium Wars begin - heralding a period of bloody military defeats, reparations, and one-sided treaties which will become known as the Century of Humiliation.

From Hong Kong to Beijing to the Great Wall, from the exotic wonders of the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, to squalid village huts, the dramatic struggle rages across the Celestial Kingdom. This is the story of the Chinese people, high and low, and the Westerners who came to exploit the riches of their ancient land and culture.

We meet a young village wife struggling with the rigid traditions of her people, Manchu empresses and warriors, powerful eunuchs, fanatical Taiping and Boxer Rebels, savvy Chinese pirates, artists, concubines, scoundrels and heroes, well-intentioned missionaries and the rapacious merchants, diplomats and soldiers of the West. Fortunes will rise and fall, loves will be gained and lost.

This is an unforgettable tale told from both sides of the divide. The clash of worldviews, of culture and heritage, is shown in a kaleidoscope of jaw-dropping set pieces. China is a feat of the imagination that will enthral, instruct and excite, and show us how things once were, and how the turmoil of the nineteenth century led to modern China's revolution and rebirth.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century China, this book by Edward Rutherfurd delves into the nation’s vibrant history and culture. Critics praise the author’s ability to weave an entertaining and educational narrative that spans from the First Opium War to modern times, highlighting the era’s rich traditions and diverse people. This work is celebrated for its detailed storytelling, energy, and epic scope, capturing the tumultuous yet fascinating period in a grand historical saga.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781444787801

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 February 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hodder & Stoughton

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 38.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 784

About the Author

Edward Rutherfurd was born in England, in the cathedral city of Salisbury. Educated at the universities of Cambridge, and Stanford, California, he worked in political research, bookselling and publishing. After numerous attempts to write books and plays, he finally abandoned his career in the book trade in 1983, and returned to his childhood home to write SARUM, a historical novel with a ten-thousand year story, set in the area around the ancient monument of Stonehenge, and Salisbury. Four years later, when the book was published, it became an instant international bestseller, remaining 23 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. Since then he has written seven more bestsellers.

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