In 1928, Rosina Harrison arrived at the illustrious household of the Astor family to take up her new position as personal maid to the infamously temperamental Lady Nancy Astor, who sat in Parliament, entertained royalty, and traveled the world. "She's not a lady as you would understand a lady" was the butler's ominous warning. But what no one expected was that the iron-willed Lady Astor was about to meet her match in the no-nonsense, whip-smart girl from the country.
J. D. Portnoy says:
"Time Travel"
Peony in Love: A Novel
UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 13 mins)
By Lisa See
Narrated By Janet Song
Overall
(306)
Performance
(79)
Story
(78)
For young Peony, betrothed to a suitor she has never met, lyrics from The Peony Pavilion mirror her own longings. In the garden of the Chen Family Villa, amid the scent of ginger, green tea, and jasmine, a small theatrical troupe is performing scenes from this epic opera, a live spectacle few females have ever seen. Like the heroine in the drama, Peony is the cloistered daughter of a wealthy family, trapped like a good-luck cricket in a bamboo-and-lacquer cage.
L. Swartz says:
"Unusual and excellent book"
The Teahouse Fire
UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 43 mins)
By Ellis Avery
Narrated By Barbara Caruso
Whispersync for Voice-ready
Overall
(135)
Performance
(23)
Story
(24)
The fates of two women, one American, one Japanese, become entwined in this sweeping novel of 19th century Japan on the cusp of radical change and Westernization. The Japanese tea ceremony, steeped in ritual, is at the heart of this story of an American girl adopted by Kyoto's most important tea master and raised as attendant and surrogate younger sister to his privileged daughter, Yukako.
Pamela says:
"Captivating"
Peony: A Novel of China
UNABRIDGED (12 hrs and 30 mins)
By Pearl S. Buck
Narrated By Kirsten Potter
Overall
(62)
Performance
(47)
Story
(47)
Young Peony is sold into a rich Chinese household as a bondmaid - an awkward role in which she is more a servant, but less a daughter. As she grows into a lovely, provocative young woman, Peony falls in love with the family's only son. However, tradition forbids them to wed. How she resolves her love for him and her devotion to her adoptive family unfolds in this profound tale, based on true events in China over a century ago.
Janice says:
"This was as good as "The Good Earth" by Pearl Buck"
Empress Orchid
UNABRIDGED (17 hrs and 46 mins)
By Anchee Min
Narrated By Alexandra O'Karma
Overall
(282)
Performance
(69)
Story
(70)
Seventeen-year-old Orchid belongs to an aristocratic family that has fallen on hard times. Unexpectedly, she is chosen as one of the emperor's lesser concubines. Within the Forbidden City are thousands of women hoping to bear the emperor a son and become his empress. Orchid, determined and resourceful, schemes her way into the royal bed and seduces the emperor. But as the opium trade erodes the might of the Ch'ing dynasty, Orchid find herself at the center of a crumbling nation.
Loretta says:
"Great Insight"
The Red Chamber
UNABRIDGED (16 hrs and 35 mins)
By Pauline A. Chen
Narrated By Grayce Wey
Overall
(17)
Performance
(15)
Story
(16)
When orphaned Daiyu leaves her home in the provinces to take shelter with her cousins in the Capital, she is drawn into a world of opulent splendor, presided over by the ruthless, scheming Xifeng and the prim, repressed Baochai. As she learns the secrets behind their glittering facades, she finds herself entangled in a web of intrigue and hidden passions, reaching from the petty gossip of the servants' quarters all the way to the Imperial Palace.
Robin says:
"excellent story, of chinese origin"
Publisher's Summary
Critically acclaimed author Anchee Min crafts the breathtaking sequel to her masterful Empress Orchid, a riveting account of one of the most amazing women in history.
Reeling from tragedy, Orchid reluctantly assumes greater power over late 19th-century China. And as her nation is divided by opposing factions, only she can keep China from tearing itself apart.
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.
Your report has been received. It will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.
Can't wait to hear more from this listener?
You can now follow your favorite reviewers on Audible.
When you follow another listener, we'll highlight the books they review, and even email* you a copy of any new reviews they write. You can un-follow a listener at any time to stop receiving their updates.
* If you already opted out of emails from Audible you will still get review emails by the listeners you follow.