Imperial Woman: The Story of the Last Empress of China

This is the first book I have read by Pearl Buck. My wife recommended it and she nailed it. It is a very interesting story. I have never read anything like this before. I have no idea as to the accuracy of the story but I felt I was in nineteenth century China in a very different world from what I know. I highly recommend this book for people like me who do not know much about China. The Last Empress was a very interesting woman. Clever and ruthless. Guess you had to be.I liked the book so much that I will now read "The Good Earth" next. I love it when you are taken to a totally different place from where you are or what you know and it feels so real.

Pearl S Buck not only told an interesting story, but she gave us great insights into the Chinese people. The Chinese's 4,000 year old nation has had many traditions, customs and layers of civilization.This story is how a lowly impoverished little girl made her way into being the sole ruler and Empress of a magnificent country during troubled times, several wars, famines, and on the brink of technology and modernization. Imperial Woman (Orchid) resisted change, but when she realized she had no choice, bravely and graciously led her nation into the modern world.The only problem I have with Ms Buck's books is her very long paragraphs. Perhaps the style of writing at the time of her novels dictated this, so very different than today's writings. Nonetheless, it is difficult to concentrate at times with such long paragraphs.Pearl S Buck's novels should be considered classics and are excellent works for understanding the Chinese culture.

Pearl S. Buck had an extraordinary life, growing up as the daughter of missionaries in China and living there for about 40 years. She wrote many books. This is the first that I've read as an adult and I loved it. I found her depiction of Imperial life in China to mesh with other books that I've read on the same subject. She follows the story of the last Empress from the time that she was a young girl, being chosen as a concubine of the Emperor, then her rise to Consort, then Mother of the Emperor, and being the Empress Dowager. The theme that came through most clearly to me was the deep ceremonies and rituals and customs that hindered China for so long. They were so steeped in tradition that they could not even communicate with other nations. The total lack of communication and ignorance of others eventually led to the downfall of that way of life as other nations wanted to open China to trade. One other theme that I found interesting, given her background as a child of missionaries, the book is extremely critical of missionaries coming to force their religion on a country that already had their own religions. The changes in beliefs of the people is one of the things that contributes to China's problems. China has a long history that is so different from other nations that it's hard to digest it. My only criticism of this book is that it was extremely long; I found myself getting bored at times. But after reviewing the list of books written by Ms. Buck, I'm sure I will read others as she writes beautifully and there is so much to learn.

As I began reading Ms. Buck in my teens, I would recommend this, as any of her writings to the thoughtful young, or old.I actually think The Good Earth was useful in teaching me how to be thoughtful. This novel about such a complex character, who was compelled to live out so many different realities, is a good teaching tool, also.We are, none of us, all of any one thing.Made my memories of being in China in 2005, so much more vivid!

I have no idea how accurate this portrayal is, but it certainly resonates as truth if not as fact. We take a journey to a time and place unfamiliar but another stage upon which the familiar experiences of human existence play out. We see the bonds of family and tradition, and we see them strained by jealousy, expediency and opportunity. We see palace intrigue but also political realities that occur in all kinds of social systems. We see a sacrifice of love for power--but also a love of nation/people that transcends personal considerations. We see faith and hope and courage in the face of a despot.I have read little Buck; it may be time to correct this failure. There is grace and charm in this writing.

The opulence of the Chinese Imperial families' lifestyles is fascinating. The worship of Emperors as gods and the enormous divide between them and the "peasants" is not commonly revealed in things we read about China -- certainly not in the last 100 years. The richness and beauty of the countryside, the flowers, birds, mountains are described in great detail and the resilience of the people is portrayed in admirable ways. It was also fascinating to get glimpses into the minds and philosophies of the people, especially what they thought of "foreigners."

It was an intriguing read. The writing was vivid and painted a colorful and unique picture about this culture. This Empress was certainly focused on what she wanted and didn't let anyone or anything get in her way! It reminded me of Catherine the Great. I read some negative reviews prior to reading this book concerning historical accuracy. I kept that in mind since it was written in the 1950's and prior to new knowledge being brought to light about this woman. I want to read more of Pearl S Buck's books now.

Like many, I had read The Good Earth previously and had loved it. I am so glad I had the opportunity to read Imperial Woman as well. They are completely different stories and each stands tall.I love Buck's simple, clear prose through which she reveals a fascinating story. How had I not heard about this before? I was a history major! Alas, Asian history has been something I've had to pursue on my own rather than in the classroom.While the book is lengthy, the pages fly by because the story is so fascinating. There is a slight drop-off near the end, but not enough to prevent one getting through.Loved it.

This is a biographical novel based on the life of Empress Tzu Hsi (Sacred Mother), the most powerful figure in late 19th century China and the real power behind the throne during the reigns of two of the last three weak Emperors in China. She was originally chosen as one of many concubines to the young Emperor Hsien Feng. Her position confirmed when she gave birth to a healthy male heir, she then became Regent to her son when Hsien Feng died aged 30 ("For ten years of her young womanhood she must rule in her son’s place. And what was her realm? A country vaster than she could guess, a nation older than history, a people whose number had never been counted, to whom she was herself an alien"). She ruled over her equally weak nephew when her son died at an even younger age. In many ways an arch-conservative, she was unable to stem the tide of other countries' attempts to exploit China economically, and failed to realise the need for her country to compete through developing industry and railways and trading more overseas. As depicted in this novel, she is a compelling figure, clearly dominating the court with a strong sense of what she at least sure as China's imperial and national interest ("a man’s mind in a woman’s body"), dealing with the competing forces of aggressive foreign nations, the Tai Ping rebellion and later the extreme nationalist Boxers. An autocrat of course, but seeing herself as a benevolent one, "she set herself to clean away rebels and reformers from among the Chinese whom she ruled, and to bring the whole people under the power of her own hand and heart again". This novel ends a few years before her death in 1908. The author records in a foreword that "decades after she was dead I came upon villages in the inlands of China where the people thought she still lived and were frightened when they heard she was dead. "Who will care for us now?" they cried".

I've had a hard job finding this book as it's quite old. considering it's age the book is in reasonably good condition and perfectly legible (though the cover is rather worn !!)I have read several Pearl Buck novels and wanted to read her version. I'm already half-way through the book - it's a bit laboured in parts, slow moving, but does give you an insight as to what life /conditions were like in the Imperial household in China and the problems they faced with the foreign 'invaders' They were completely immersed in age old customs and traditions and needed to modernise and move with the times. Tzu Hsi , or the Empress, is an interesting character and how she rose to such a powerful position is testament to her determination and resourcefulness - I've yet to see how everything evolves and how her rule as Empress unfolds. Didn't realise that she only died in 190 - .ruled at the same time that Victoria was on the English throne!

Excellent book and I enjoyed it very much. It was, I felt, a little too detailed in some parts but that's only my opinion.

Read this many years ago, and it stands up well. The descriptions of customs, costumes and places are vivid and instructive. A really good read for adults and teens.

Brilliant - love and power- a spellbinding combination '