Dream Traders

by E.V. Thompson

Depicting the greed, misery, and ruthlessness of the Chinese opium trade, this exciting novel illustrates how this industry has involved Britain in one of the most shameful wars of all time, just as it reached out from Hong Kong to threaten the very throne of China’s all-powerful emperor. Young Cornishman Luke Trewarne is in the Far East to make his fortune, but his plans are threatened by his ideals combined with a growing love for China, its people, and a beautiful Chinese boat-girl. Challenged by the brutal intrigues of those with the most to gain from the squalor and degradation of the opium trade, Trewarne finds an ally in the Tartar hero of China’s “Bannermen” army. Together, they meet with both triumph and disaster.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction

640 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 1981

About the author

Ernest Victor Thompson was born in London and spent nine years in the Navy before joining Bristol police. He moved to Hong Kong, then Rhodesia and had over 200 stories published before returning to England in 1970 to become a full-time award-winning writer.

He settled in Cornwall, living at Idle Cottage in Sharptor.

He wrote 42 historical novels, mostly set in Cornwall, beginning with 'Chase the Wind' in 1977, a book that was voted the best historical novel of the year, with detectives Churchyard and Hawke two of his main characters.

He was awarded the MBE in the 2012 New Years' Honours list for services to literature and the community in Cornwall. He was also a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedd (Gorsedh Kernow). This is an individual honoured for significant contributions to the Cornish language, culture, or heritage.

He also wrote the Scottish historical epic 'Homeland' in 1991 under the pseudonym James Munro.

He died peacefully, with his wife, Celia, and two sons, Nathan and Luke, by his side, at his home in Launceston, Cornwall, on 19 July 2021, shortly after his 81st birthday.

Reviews

[Eric Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of the author's excellent historical novels . Set in China at the time of the opium war - a less than glorious period in the UK's incredible history of bringing more good than harm to the world . This re-read for me is one of his best books combining action , romance and fact in an authentic way . The author's years of living in Hong Kong give a feeling of empathy with the Chinese people . His Blue Dress Girl is equally enjoyable and recommended to anyone who enjoyed this one.

[Edward Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of E.V. Ts strongest books

Not a book for the faint hearted, this is a story of China's struggle into the ever changing international world of the 1830- 40s. Sometime shocking and sometimes predictable but never boring. Deep in China British relationships but very interesting a bread.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, but the whole time I was reading it I felt it was a poor man’s version of James Clavell’s “Tai-Pan.” Thompson’s characters are very cookie cutter good guys and villains. Still, a quick and enjoyable read about interesting times.

[Caroline Browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read during my "historical fiction" phase in high school.

[Turnip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the history, not so much the romance! China, UK, pirates involved in the opium wars of 1830s.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've only given this two stars as I found it confusing to follow in places. It was hard to keep up with who was who and what was going on with regards to the trade wars. Otherwise the writing was (as usual from this author) good.

[Tracey- Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A enjoyable exhilarating read. I liked the characters immensely!

[Koalathebear Koalathebear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was what made me decide to visit China in the first place ... and I visited again and lived there for a time. It's informative, compelling, romantic and tragic.