A little slow to start but once the story gets going the reader is engaged and wants to know what happens. In some ways this appears to be a simple stA little slow to start but once the story gets going the reader is engaged and wants to know what happens. In some ways this appears to be a simple story, yet it is more involved than first indicated. Easy reading but not simplistic.
**spoiler alert** Not too sure how best to describe this book. The first half was definitely a better read than the second, much more believable and s**spoiler alert** Not too sure how best to describe this book. The first half was definitely a better read than the second, much more believable and set at a better pace. Once they set sail the story becomes ridiculous, every few pages another major drama or tricky story twist. The characters were mostly caricatures, all good or all bad. Except for Fitz, and who knows what was going on there. This is my first book by this author. I have one other to read (some two for one offer) and I'm not particularly keen to start it. I will, however, just to see if the writing improves....more
Thoroughly enjoyable book if not particularly accurate. The author has taken historical facts and woven a story around them. Good reading, more enjoyaThoroughly enjoyable book if not particularly accurate. The author has taken historical facts and woven a story around them. Good reading, more enjoyable than his Taj Mahal book....more
Photographic record of the ancient temples in Cambodia together with a detailed history of the rulers responsible for the construction. Interesting toPhotographic record of the ancient temples in Cambodia together with a detailed history of the rulers responsible for the construction. Interesting to me as I've visited these sites. Some of the details in the photos were lost; not sure if the photos had been reduced in size to fit the book? Would be of interest to those planning a visit to Cambodia, or reliving their time there....more
Traces the life of Orchid who enters the Forbidden City at 17 to become one of Emperor Hsien Feng's concubines. The book is quite detailed in the lifeTraces the life of Orchid who enters the Forbidden City at 17 to become one of Emperor Hsien Feng's concubines. The book is quite detailed in the life she leads, however I couldn't warm to the characters. I felt as if the book were part fiction, part non fiction, and the character development just wasn't there for me as a reader. However, I recommend it for people who enjoy the detailed life of old China, as long as they don't mind a bit of fiction to carry the story along....more
3 and 1/2 stars The nuns appear to have little compassion or understanding of the local people, perhaps an accurate description of how settlements such3 and 1/2 stars The nuns appear to have little compassion or understanding of the local people, perhaps an accurate description of how settlements such as this one were established. "The Church" has decided to establish a school and hospital service to assist the locals - I wonder did they ask whether it was required? Did the locals need / want it? The local people are presented as simple folk who honour the Holy Man - they are described not quite as the noble ignorant savages but coming close. However the nuns are shown with all their faults on display, and come off poorly. Good writing by Rumer Godden sets the atmosphere so descriptively that the reader has a clear picture of not only the wonderful mountain setting but of the growing tension between the nuns themselves....more
3 stars but at times 2 1/2. Parts were very interesting while other parts seemed repetitive. The author focuses on a couple of young women who leave t3 stars but at times 2 1/2. Parts were very interesting while other parts seemed repetitive. The author focuses on a couple of young women who leave the country areas of China, travel to the main cities and seek work in the factories there. Their stories are sad mostly, as they are at the mercy of unscrupulous employers. However they also live an unreal lifestyle - easily moving from one factory to the next (often just on the say so of a stranger) in the hope that conditions would be better elsewhere. They are vulnerable to all sorts of unfair practices and exploitation, even prostitution if they are not careful (altho none of the women in this book fall into that trap). Of course one character appealed to me more than the other, but that adds to the interest. A Chinese work colleague confirmed for me that what I am reading is absolutely correct. Recommended if you have an interest in China, it's current culture and the lifestyle choices its people will make in the hope of leaving one world behind them and embracing the new. Sadly the new isn't all it's made out to be....more
I would give this book 6 stars if I was allowed. It tells the moving story of a young Cambodian girl and her life under the Khmer Rouge. Not easy to rI would give this book 6 stars if I was allowed. It tells the moving story of a young Cambodian girl and her life under the Khmer Rouge. Not easy to read at times but that is because life at that time was extremely difficult. The author has a wonderful story telling ability - keeps you gripped without becoming overly sentimental. Wonderful wonderful book....more
This book really needs one and a half stars, but I erred on the side of caution and gave it one. Just couldnt really get into it. I feel like I've reaThis book really needs one and a half stars, but I erred on the side of caution and gave it one. Just couldnt really get into it. I feel like I've read this story a few times before ('cos I have). I know it's a "classic" but not for me. Couldnt finish it, too dry....more
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