The Garden of Perfect Brightness

The Forbidden City #3

by Melissa Addey

The most beautiful garden in the world. The man who built it. The woman who had to leave it.

China, 1720s.

Giuseppe Castiglione, a promising and ambitious Italian painter, is recruited by the Jesuits to serve the Emperor of China. But his painting style is rejected as inauspicious. Meanwhile, Niuhuru, a grey-eyed, too-tall girl is chosen as a concubine to a minor prince and sent to live in the Garden of Perfect Brightness, where Giuseppe meets her when he is tasked with turning the Garden into a wonderland for the Qianlong Emperor. But as the Garden changes and Niuhuru is swept upwards to ever-greater importance, is something precious being lost? And will either of them ever be able to admit to their true feelings for one another?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Asia, China, Fiction

286 pages, ebook

First published March 14, 2019

About the author

I mainly write historical fiction: my first novel, The Fragrant Concubine, was Editor’s Choice at the Historical Novel Society, my latest, The Cold Palace, won the 2019 Novel London award.

I was the Leverhulme Trust Writer in Residence at the British Library and now run regular workshops there. I have a PhD in Creative Writing and have self-published 13 books.

I live in London with my husband and two children.

If you’d like to try my writing, visit my website www.melissaaddey.com to pick up a free novella, The Cup.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find this and other reviews at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...

Confession: I’m an easy sell for anything that promises to take me off the beaten path.

It doesn’t happen as often as I’d like, but when it does, the intrigue these titles inspire in me proves a boon to the authors as I tend to drop cold hard cash on the publications. Assuming I enjoyed it, the author not only gets paid, they also get a review which brings me to Melissa Addey’s The Garden of Perfect Brightness.

Now I know what you’re thinking so before you get your panties in a twist, let me explain that a three from me is a good thing. It means this title did everything I expected it to. My socks are still on and my mind isn’t blown, but I am happy with the time I spent with this piece and will be reading this author again (no joke folks, another of her titles is already on my kindle).

I will admit the premise reminded me vaguely of A Little Chaos (2014) and that I’d have liked more emotional development between Giuseppe and Niuhuru, but neither of these personal opinions prevented me from getting lost among the wisteria of The Forbidden City’s imperial gardens.

The novel is definitely on the lighter end of the historic spectrum, but it does touch on the complex power/social structure of the palace inhabitants and I appreciated the sub-note references to the missionaries of the day and their efforts to gain a religious foothold in the East.

[MAP · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third in the series, this book follows Giuseppe Castiglione, court painter to 3 emperors, as well as one of the concubines of a minor prince, and how they weave in and out of each other's lives. This book spans more time (30+ years) than the other two books and helps tie together both the previous 2 books as well as what is presumably coming up in the next book focusing on the infamous Ula Nara.

I liked reading about the actual life of Giuseppe Castiglione, his apprentice Laura Liondecce - a rare woman painter who traveled to China and potentially painted the first ever Chinese Madonna. I loved looking up their works and seeing how they expertly blended Chinese and European styles of painting. And I appreciated getting more context around some of the things and people we read about in the previous books.

However, this book does not lean into the intrigue of the previous 2 books. Instead it focuses on a love story that slips into a sentimentality that can often become saccharine. I found this less interesting a topic and ultimately that's what made this my least favorite book so far, with 3.5 stars (still rounded up to 4) rather than the solid 4 stars of the previous 2 books.

I'm still looking forward to the next book where we really get into Ula Nara's head, although I'm afraid from what I already know about what happens to her that I'm going to be reading the whole book while half covering my eyes!

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fascinating insight into the world of China and its systems of Emperors, concubines, heirs etc. That this story is based on a true story, makes it even more interesting to me.

Giuseppe is a man completely out of his depth in 1720's China, and he can't hope to get his brain around the various customs and rules that control the Emperor and his palaces (complete with concubines and heirs). As he adjusts to life in China and learns Mandarin, also adjusting his painting techniques to be more pleasing to the tastes of the Emperor, he becomes fascinated by one of the Prince's concubines.

Niuhuru is a girl who is sent to be a wife to a Prince, when she is only 13 years old. This comes as a bit of a shock to her but she makes the best of her situation, with the help of a maid who is the same age as herself. As she spends her days in the Garden of Perfect Brightness, she encounters Giuseppe and their attraction is immediate (and forbidden). How this story plays out, is the subject of this book.

Really unusual and interesting book and kudos to the author for her research. The life of a concubine in 18th century China could not be more different to my own if it tried. My heart goes out to those girls whose lives were so completely regulated and controlled by others.

4.5 stars from me.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as a break from routine. We travel back centuries and span cultures as a Renaissance artist becomes a Jesuit priest in order to be sent to the Court of China. A young woman is early chosen to wed a minor prince, and goes to live in his country home, a manor called the Garden of Perfect Brightness. Yet royal turmoil and rivalry reach the door, and the European painter follows.

Well worth a read and I look forward to more books from this scholarly author.
This is an unbiased review.

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I read anything set outside of the United States, Europe, or the Caribbean. I'm so glad I did. This is fantastic. It did take me a bit to get into it - I advise you to read all the way to the end of the free sample on Amazon. I bet you'll be hooked like I was. Apart from a few aspects that weren't to my taste, such as the insta-love, this held me enchanted throughout. It was all so darned interesting and so skillfully written: the details of Castiglione's artwork, the rivalries in the Imperial court, the chance to stroll in a beautiful and peaceful Chinese garden. The Jesuit painter attracted me initially, but Niuhuru's voice has an endearing intimacy that made her immediately sympathetic. Both main characters are based on real people, and thanks to this novel I have discovered Castiglione's stunning paintings. Melissa Addey not only picks intriguing subjects, she's a superb writer.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs

"Melissa Addey has a way with words. She uses them to describe worlds which are unfamiliar and she paints a vivid picture. There is no waste with her writing; every word is carefully chosen and placed to assist with the world-building, without ever getting in the way or disturbing the narrative flow."

[Enigma Sonseeahrai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words to describe how fantastic this book is. It's forbidden love to the fullest: he is a Jesuit who vowed celibacy and she is a royal concubine and a mother of a prince. My dear heart. It has all I want from a romance: unchallanged yearning, exotic scenery painted before my eyes with absolutely beautiful prose, a clash of two extremely different cultures, an arrogant MMC who has to learn to bow his head, some delicious court intrigues and oh, the FORBIDDANCE!

Let's start with the story, as it is the most unique romance story I've ever read. The order of Jesuits is trying to win over the Chinese Empeor's favor to be allowed to preach an baptise Chinese people, and to do so they send him the best court artists who take on Jesuit robes and vows. Giuseppe is one of them, a painter, who is sent by the Empeor to serve his son, Fourth Prince Yong, in his paradise-like estate called The Garden of Perfect Brightness. In the Garden he meets the prince's neglected young concubine, Niuhuru, and is enchanted with her from the first sight.

One day, when the Crown Prince falls out of favor and the Fourth Prince is considered a candidate for the new heir, one of his jealous brothers poisons him. Niuhuru is the only one who stands by her husband's side and nurses him back to health. After that event Yong falls in love with Niuhuru and gets her prengant, but once she bears him a son, he goes back to neglecting her, as well as her child. Giuseppe is there for them and raises the boy as his own, while him and the young prince's mother develop a deep tenderness for each other. They cultivate this tenderness in secret, not once giving into the temptation, for years through the old Empeor's reign, his death, Yong's reign, his death and then Niuhuru's son reign.

Yes, this book's plot spans over 20 years! And through all this time we get to see ONE SINGLE KISS BETWEEN THE MCS!

Do I think this story could have been more? Yes. First of all, we have some court intrigues in the background, even two attempts at poisoning, but I wouldn't say no to some more meat on those bones; the rivalry between the concubines was episodical and there was almost no real fighting, political or physical. I have no idea how to describe it, so I'll make a comparision: it's like a war movie but instead of following the POV of soldiers or generals who make plans, we follow the POV of civillians who are getting screwed over by each army. Which is not necessarily bad, and it fits the characterisation of our heroine, so it's just a minor pet peeve of mine.

In case of the romance, I have only two complaints: first, at one point there's a ten years gap between the birth of Niuhuru's son and the moment where he, at 10 years old, meets his grandfather the Empeor for the first time. I'd love to see at least a few scenes from this period, because it's the time when Giuseppe and the young prince developed their father-son relationship, and it's when Niuhuru started to return Giuseppe's feelings. Second, this book ends too early! It ends with Giuseppe knocking on Niuhuru's door when they finally find a way to be together after years of yearning for each other from afar, give me at least one more scene goddamnit!

Now, to the characters. Oh my God, Giuseppe! He's a fantastic MMC: he starts young, tallented and arrogant, but then life teaches him humility the hard way. His voice is very unique, because he recalls his life story as an old man, reflecting in his mistakes, now wiser than he used to be, but not without the sharp claw of his personality. At the beginning he's a regular painter working for the church, but the Jesuits give him an once in a life oportunity to become a court painter of the Chinese Empeor, under one condition: he has to become a Jesuit himself. He agrees immediately, focused entirely on his career, says goodbye to his friends and family and embarks for China, convinced that he'd be regarded as a master painter there. However, once he arrives, he gets humbled and reduced to the role of a student, because western artstyles are not welcome in Chinese court, and meeting Niuhuru makes him realise how much he gave up joining the order. He stalls taking his final vows until he realises that Niuhuru will never be his (when she becomes the Empress). We see him transform from an energetic, eager and super confident youngster to a tired, bitter old man who lived an empty life and lost the ability to cherish the marvels of this world. But in all this he is, first and foremost, an artist – colours, shapes and perspective are always there in his mind and he sees the world through a painter's eyes.

Niuhuru was a bit less to my taste, but amazing nonetheless. We meet her as a 13 years old girl summoned to the royal palace, where every year concubines are chosen out of noble girls aged 13-16. She is chosen for prince Yong as a cruel joke; she comes from a humble family from borderlands and doesn't match the beauty standards, and the prince believes in equality between noble families no matter their wealth nor status. The Empress gives her to him as a proof that the lesser noble families are worse than the richest aristocratic houses. She's torn away from her family and tries to make do as a forgotten concubine in Gardens of Perfect Brightness with her equally scared and inexperienced maid, Yan. She's never ambitious, never power-hungry, never after status nor luxuries – she just wants a simple life in this beautiful garden, but that's exactly what she's denied. As a royal consort she has to navigate the world of politics with her husband and son's lives constantly in danger, and she can forget about solitude and simplicity, always surrounded by overstimulating splendor and dozens of servants. Her feelings for Giuseppe only make this magnificent life more off-putting for her, but she embraces her role as an Empress and we see her commit to the customs and rules no matter what, even when it means making very hard decisions. She is a wise woman, always ready to do what is needed, in spite of needs of her own heart.

Concerning side characters, the most prominent ones are Yong and Hongli, Niuhuru's son. Yong is difficult to judge; he neglects his family, because he's constantly overworked, but it's thanks to it that the Empire gets modernized and rid of corruption. A bad husband and a father, but a great ruler, and we can clearly see that he wishes he could have been good for his family too. He loves his Garden of Perfect Brightness the same way Niuhuru and Giuseppe love it: simple, natural, quiet. Hongli is the opposite of him. He likes splendor, luxury and grandeur. He won the old Empeor's heart by disobeying the court rules and presenting himself as a hunter and a poet. Like a a bolt of energy, he desires to change everything around to his own liking and he loves to bestow endless gifts on people, but with no regard of their own needs and wishes.

Apart from those two, I need to note the beauty of other forbidden relationships blooming in the background: Niuhuru's maid, Yan, and the eunuch Kun, and Giuseppe's apprentice, Laura, who has a lesbian affair with a Chinese lady, Madame Guo. Besides, one cannot read this book without noticing Ula Nara, a future antagonist for Forbidden City series, a young concubine who cries when she gets chosen for the Empeor, because she has a sweetheart back home. She's one of the harsh decisions Niuhuru must make as an Empress, defying her own consciese in favor of the customs and rules.

Now, the real pearl of this book is its prose. Oh my dear God, every sentence is a diamond. It's written in first person POV, Giuseppe's voice is in past tense, Niuhuru's – in present tense. I don't usually read books with first person POV, that's mainly why I prefer historical romance to contemporary. You'd think now is the moment when I say "but I decided to give this book a chance anyway"... nah. None of that.

THE VERY FIRST SENTENCE WAS ALREADY SO ENCHANTING I KNEW I'D LOVE THIS BOOK FROM THE START. The first sentence was what convinced me to read despite the first person POV. The. First. Sentence. And no, the prose never declines, it stays evenly beautiful throughout the whole book, especially in Giuseppe's chapters with his painter's eye.

Now. Was it a perfect book? Nah. I stated my complaints above and apart from that I'm not that big fan of age gaps – especially when the leads meet at 30 and 16 and the sparks are already flying. The fact that their first kiss is at 27 and 41 and they come together at 44 and 58 redeems it a bit, but it's still a huge age gap and I found it a little uncomfortable to read about a 30 years old priest lusting after a teenage girl. But, was it one of the best reads I've encountered in this genre? A hundred times yes! I don't understand why it's so unknown and rarely recommended, how come my review is the first one and there are only three ratings! This book is a gem and should be treated as such. Go read it now!

[kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Italian painter named Giuseppe is one of the voices in this interestingly told historical novel. Niuhuru is the second voice as the concubine of the 4th prince of 1720's China. The setting is the Chinese Emperor's Garden of Perfect Brightness.

I loved being transported back in time to this setting with such diverse tensions as East meets West! Giuseppe is an accomplished painter from Italy who yearns for adventure in his life. He was excited to get the opportunity to journey to China with the Jesuits and paint for the Emperor. He learns that the Chinese have very different ideas of what to use (watercolours vs oils) and that perspective is not something they utilize in their artwork. How will his time there as the Emperor's painter unfold?

Niuhuru has such a sad beginning to her story of being picked to be the 4th prince's concubine. She is too tall and has unusual grey eyes. She was too young in the beginning but blossoms into womanhood in her new setting. She has a friend in her personal serving girl in a world that isn't very welcoming to one of her lower station when she arrived. The beautiful setting of the garden and it's explorations fills her days until a chance meeting with Giuseppe.

I hate to go into a lot of plot detail in a review. Suffice it to say that the writing style of the author is easily engaged by the reader. I felt transported to this time and place. I liked how one chapter would be the painter's voice and another chapter was the concubine's voice. This sure made for interesting reading with the differing viewpoints.

I have read a few of the other books written by the author, Melissa Addey. The descriptions are vivid in the various settings in her historical novels. The story lines are interesting! I can't imagine all the work she has gone through to research various time periods to present her novels so convincingly to her readers. I always look forward to hearing about her new books.

I received a complimentary copy and am providing my honest review.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple story of duty, love, devotion. The strict social, legal and cultural structure of 18th century China characterized an inevitability in the lives of its members.

The love and devotion that blossoms between a concubine wife of the prince and artist priest is beautiful and heartbreaking.

THE GARDEN OF PERFECT BRIGHTNESS is written in gorgeous language and imagery. The author’s descriptions of nature, art, architecture and the endless beauty and detail of Chinese courtly life were lovely.

The storyline slowed and became redundant halfway through the novel. The characters never truly came alive to this reader.

This is a mediocre historical fiction novel.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Italian painter, Giuseppe agrees to join the Jesuits in their missionary work in China hoping he would become famous whilst painting for the Emperor. Once he got to China though, he found that he had to re-learn how to paint, as the Chinese had their own technique in painting and that was not the only thing he had to learn but in the end Giuseppe was totally enamoured with life in China. He served under three emperors over a span of more than two decades. He had also fallen in love with a Prince's concubine when he first arrived in China. Niuhuru lived in the garden of perfect brightness at the time, enjoying every minute of her days there. However as things have a habit of doing, they changed and both Niuhuru and Giuseppe thought they changed for the worse. This is an intricately woven tale of beauty amidst harshness, jealousy, back stabbing, cold heartedness but also one of great sublime love. The narrative is beautifully descriptive bringing to life for us the readers, the artifice used to create the breath taking garden of perfect brightness as well as the soul crushing loneliness suffered within the high walls of the enclosed Forbidden City. Both Giuseppe and Niuhuru were torn between two lives whilst wishing for a third life which was totally inaccessible to them and would always be so! His ambition had cost him so much. All they both wanted was a simple life yet they were expected to smile in the face of all the trivial gaudiness which surrounded them in the Emperor's court. How had he ever thought that painting on order would ever satisfy him? Painting should come from the heart and done with and for love! Melissa Addey does it again, her writing is truly magical and so poetic, providing us with such an enjoyable read!

[Clarissa Labue-Pham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Garden of Perfect Brightness was a very surprising novel for me. I initially put off reading it after finding out it was dueling perspectives of a male (I usually don't read much from the male perspective) and female. Waiting so long to read this was a mistake.

The story is told from the perspectives of concubine Niuhuru and Jesuit painter Giuseppe. I enjoyed both perspectives but felt a deep connection to the artist. Giuseppe Castiglione is a brilliant painter whose only goal is his artistic ambitions and passion, that is until he meets Niuhuru. Niuhuru is a kind young girl, chosen as a concubine, from humble beginnings whose thrust suddenly into Prince Yong's household.

As we move through their lives we are introduced to an assorted and diverse cast of characters from Giuseppe's love struck young protege Laura to servant and eunuch couple Yan and Kun, we even see three different emperors through Giuseppe's eyes. As Giuseppe's career advances Niuhurus life sees many changes and shifts that she must adapt to. Their love and longing endures a lifetime.

This was a very moving and emotional book that is a great character study on some of the most human and real characters I've come across.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt as I was reading that I could actually see the vistas that were written about, the beautiful gardens as well as the impersonal coldness of the Imperial Palace. As with all Melissa Addey's stories, I became entranced as I read, wondering of the love and beauty weaved into this story. I love her style of writing and her vivid characterizations. As the story unfolds, you are introduced to two main characters as well as several more minor ones that also continue through the book and get to know them well. Ms. Addey's ability to make you visualize her scenes are a speciality of her writing. I am simply writing to let you know how much I love her stories and I won't tell you anything about the actual story when you can read the snapshot of it and other reviewers. No spoilers here at all.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my usual choice in reading but I have read The Cup and A String of Silver Beads both and loved them so I had to give this a try. Apparently, this IS my choice in reading (I did not think I liked historical fiction but I DO!!!), because I really loved this story. I love reading about countries other than my own and learning new things but also I love escaping the here and now and adventuring with someone somewhere new. And the best thing I have found about this book and others that I have read is that there must be facts in the book. This is an awesome book. Keep writing these!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Irina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a little conflicted about this one... the plot gets too distracted with other stuff happening for it to be a romance, but there's WAY TOO MUCH yearning and angst for it to be just any ol' historical drama, so... I don't know where to put this one, but I really liked it (specially the yearning, istg it was off the charts!).
I think it's a great adition to the series, acting as a prequel as it is. I adored the relationship between the main characters and the bittersweet-ness of it all. My only gripe would be the pacing, as it was all over the place, but not so terrible as to make this unlikeable.
Anyways, a good read.

[Marvina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book right from the beginning. Everything is described in vivid detail, and I had no difficulty imagining the garden and people described.
I read for distraction and entertainment, to be transported for a while to a different place. This book has succeeded in doing that for me, beyond my expectations.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic Story of Imperial China
This is the type of expansive story that lets the reader's mind live in the story for a few days. I have read the entire series and it is wonderful food for thought. I love the concept of a 'Memory Palace'. I believe we all have one deep within our hearts. The author is a master at describing a scene of nature so well that the reader can even smell it. I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.

[Marie Shirley Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historically fascinating!

This series of books has been amazing! I thought I knew a great deal, but the author's research, especially on taboo subjects like creating a eunuch, while fascinating, is beyond barbaric.

The characters are well fleshed out and the never ending rituals are explained so well.

Recommend you start with Book One of this series, it's worth your time and effort.

[Kathy Ballman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I was reading a series but in this third book the author takes us back instead of forward. It really would have been helpful if there was a preface stating that that was what was happening!!! I became so upset that I started skimming the pages half way through and felt cheated or deceived as the story progressed! I may have to go back and reread this book again!

[Chrissie O'H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly beautiful book

Reading the research Melissa Addey completed to ensure historical accuracy, with small adjustments, has only heightened my love of this book.
I am captured by the characters and their intertwined relationships.
The sacrifices made by so many of the Chinese dynasties and their vast swathes of supporting staff breaks my heart.
I loved this book.

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step back in time nearly 300 years to Beijing for this PG13 historical romance that takes about ten hours to read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Necessary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved this book. If I could go to one place overseas, it would be China. The Yuan Ming Yuan (Garden of Perfect Brightness) was a real place, but sadly burnt to the ground in 1860’s during The Opium Wars.

[Penelope · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that draws you in

Beautifully written
The storyline draws you in, captures your heart and slowly rips it apart as you so desperately want happiness for Guiseppe and the ladies of the Impetial family.
I look forward to reading more of this series.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed the story of China past. Completely intriguing

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that THE GARDEN OF PERFECT BRIGHTNESS by Melissa Addey is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!

[arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

As the first two books of us an amazing story that brings these characters to life as well it makes you feel as part of this story plot

[Kim Teel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed it.

This is the 3rd book I've read in this series. And it is sweet and slow and wonderful. I love the history woven throughout. Highly reccomend.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forbidden City Book 3

I like the book but thought that book 2 and 3 should switch places. I watch lots of Asian Historical Dramas. I think these books was right on point.

[Leah Mowery · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good but not as good as the Fragrant Concubine

[Inaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The description transports you. Brilliant read.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful, well written story. My favorite book in this series, although my heart broke for Niuhuru and Giuseppe. I just wish I had known that this was the FIRST book in the series (not 3rd, as it says on here.) so I could have read them in the correct order. It would have made it a little less confusing, as to why I was going back in time instead of progressing forward in the series.