A fictional account of the life of Sai Jinhua, a courtesan of the late Qing Dynasty, this novel exudes historical intrigue. Sai Jinhua's real life is peppered with mystery, so the author has taken some liberties to weave an at-times distraught life with wonderful imagery and political intrigue seen from those who are not necessarily part of it, but who are affected by it nonetheless.
In six parts we follow the life of Jinhua and it is such a page-turner that you will undoubtedly read it in one sitting, preferably in the garden, a cool drink in one hand and a warm breeze upon your skin.
The writing is sharp and beautiful, but often has it's moments of lacklustre shine, due to it being the author's first novel. The words flow easily and following Jinhua's journey from orphan to concubine is at times exhilarating, sometimes causing reflection and often times raw and gritty. Though it has slight Western-influences, the telling of this Eastern story is gracefully done.
"A story is a garden you carry in your pocket. The stories we tell ourselves and each other are for pleasure and refuge. Like gardens they are small places in a large world. But, Jinhua, we must never mistake the stories we tell for truth."
In six parts we follow the life of Jinhua and it is such a page-turner that you will undoubtedly read it in one sitting, preferably in the garden, a cool drink in one hand and a warm breeze upon your skin.
The writing is sharp and beautiful, but often has it's moments of lacklustre shine, due to it being the author's first novel. The words flow easily and following Jinhua's journey from orphan to concubine is at times exhilarating, sometimes causing reflection and often times raw and gritty. Though it has slight Western-influences, the telling of this Eastern story is gracefully done.
"A story is a garden you carry in your pocket. The stories we tell ourselves and each other are for pleasure and refuge. Like gardens they are small places in a large world. But, Jinhua, we must never mistake the stories we tell for truth."