Imperial Woman

The Story of the Last Empress of China

By: Pearl S. Buck

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

Length: 17 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

The story of Tzu Hsi is the story of the last empress in China. In this audiobook, Pearl S. Buck recreates the life of one of the most intriguing rulers during a time of intense turbulence.

Tzu Hsi was born into one of the lowly ranks of the Imperial dynasty. According to custom, she moved to the Forbidden City at the age of 17 to become one of hundreds of concubines. But her singular beauty and powers of manipulation quickly moved her into the position of Second Consort. Tzu Hsi was feared and hated by many in the court, but adored by the people. The Empress’s rise to power (even during her husband’s life) parallels the story of China’s transition from the ancient to the modern way.

Pearl S. Buck’s knowledge of and fascination with the empress’s life are contagious. She reveals the essence of this self-involved and infamous last empress, at the same time she takes the listener through China’s struggle for freedom and democracy.

©1971 Pearl S. Buck (P)2011 Oasis

recomended before visiting china

heard the story prior to my visit to China was very informative and moving

And so my mom was right!

My mother spoke of 2 of her favorite books and this was one of them. Now it is one of mine. So well written, as expected from this author, and full of historical intrigue.

History made interesting

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, interesting peroid in Chinese history, fasinating culture and people.

Any additional comments?

Went out and rented "The Last Emperor" just to see the clothing described in the book.

Wonderful journey!

I read most of Pearl S. Bucks' books in my youth. She was one of my favorite writers back then. I feel that reading her work deepened me and gave me so much to think about at the time that I may not have otherwise.

This was one of her books that I had not read before and I am so glad to have discovered it now in my older years. The woman definitely had an amazing talent for bringing the reader into another interestingly different time and place in an authentic manner.

The narrator was wonderful and I will be searching out her other performances.

Spectacular in every way!

Pearl Bucks grand , epic novel, the extraordinary and impeccable reader and the production all combined to a remarkable audible experience! If there was an Oscar for readers this reader ought win! Thank you Audible for a truly memorable experience.

Masterpiece

Masterfully written and beautifully narrated. Details paint an exquisite picture & love story has transcending depth.

Do NOT Miss This Epic Story!

This was an AMAZING story! So good that I lost many hours of sleep trying to force myself to stay awake until 4:00 or 5:00 in the morning, knowing full well I had to be up at 6:30 AM!

I discovered author Pearl S. Buck at the age of 13 and she instantly became my favorite writer. I haven’t read her work in many years. This book immediately reminded me of WHY I love her work so much!

I loved the first book about the only female ruler of China, written by Anchee Min, but it only went to a certain point in the history of the female Empress — to about age 30. The story was so compelling that I really wanted to know what happened beyond that! I read the reviews for the rest of the Empress, and the book by Pearl S. Buck got rave reviews.

I was NOT DISAPPOINTED! This book gives a comprehensive history of China and its rulers in such a way that it never feels like a history lesson. I am not sure how much of the history is accurate or how much liberty was taken for the sake of the story, but I could not put it down! I vacuumed with the book in one hand, folded laundry with the book propped up next to me, had it on anytime I was in the car and even had it going in my ear through Bluetooth at work! At night, I listened fixing dinner and washing dishes. Then, once in bed, I stayed awake as long as I possibly could to hear more about this amazing ruler!

Given the climate of the times in which she ruled, her story was even more compelling to me. It was a very long story, but SO GOOD, that I plan to immediately listen to it again!

It’s the BEST one credit I’ve ever spent; and although I haven’t done the book justice in my review, I hope you’ll give the book a try. The narrator did an incredible job!

Be sure to read the book, Empress Orchid by Anchee Min first to understand the early life of the Empress. You will learn about her life as a very young girl growing up in the poorest area of China, almost illiterate, her being chosen as a royal concubine and her rise from there. It will give you a much better of understanding of why her rise to the only female Empress with the ultimate power over an entire country is so impressive.

Well read

Interesting story of a true Asian era. But not boring at all. Reader has a great voice.

Exquisite!!

The storyline contains something and everything for any adult audience; history, romance, intrigue, all woven into a 'can't stop listening' to book.

Wonderful

Another great book by Pearl S. Buck. I have read many and I have enjoyed them all