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The Opium Lord's Daughter
Following the harrowing journey of Lady Lee Su-Mei and her family, Robert Wang's debut novel is a historical drama told from dual perspectives—Chinese and British—about the First Opium War, a tragic and history-altering conflict. Honoring the tradition of noted historical fiction writers such as Ken Follett, Philippa Gregory, and James Clavell, The Opium Lord's Daughter artfully weaves true events and characters into the narrative, offering the reader a selective glimpse into a world populated with rogue drug traders, imperialist government officials, religious zealots, scrappy survivors. Su-Mei, the eponymous protagonist, is a young woman unbounded by convention. From the moment we meet little Su-Mei, she valiantly resists her wealthy and powerful father—one of the largest opium traders in mid-19th century China—who attempts to force her into the barbaric practice of foot binding. Through her, readers look with fresh eyes upon antiquated and harmful traditions, and understand how time and experiences truly shape a person during their life's journey. Her defiance sets in motion a series of events, forever altering her fate, as well as the fates of those she holds dear. Su-Mei is forced to rapidly come-of-age and muster her heroic spirit to survive her crumbling world. Taboo romances, tumultuous adventures, and heart-wrenching tragedies befall Su-Mei and her loved ones throughout the course of the story. The Opium Lord's Daughter is an expedition through the destruction of a culture, underscoring the hold and havoc drug empires continue to exert in society, even to this day. A must read for fans of Shogun, Downtown Abbey, Outlander and other sweeping tales rooted in history!
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2019
200 people are currently reading
678 people want to read
About the author
Robert Wang
1 book28 followersBorn in Japan and raised in Hong Kong before moving to the United States nearly fifty years ago, Chinese American businessman Robert Wang has a firsthand perspective of both Asian and Western cultures and their entwined history. Since he first learned as a schoolboy how the Opium War formed the basis for modern Chinese politics and history, Wang had been fascinated by this period, which became the catalyst determining how modern China has been shaped—and hindered—by Western colonization.
Even after settling in the United States, starting a family, and becoming a successful entrepreneur and a pioneer in the aerospace industry, Wang remained an ardent Sinophile, engrossed in the lessons and impact of the Opium War and its aftermath. This passion only grew as Wang took note of the modern parallels—particularly the current opioid crisis—that echo similar events and actions from this earlier period.
Wang spent years researching the history, facts, and fictions of the Opium War, talking to numerous experts on the subject, both in the United States as well as on Mainland China. In 2018 he embarked on an intensive research trip to Guangzhou (Canton), the nexus of the opium trade and the ensuing conflict, and was granted rare private tours of its museums, led by some of China’s preeminent scholars on the topic.
What he saw and learned provided an exceptional window into many of the elements that eventually found its way into Wang’s first book on the subject, The Opium Lord’s Daughter, a historical novel told from both perspectives—Chinese and Western—about this dramatic and history-altering conflict. Wang’s story takes the reader directly into a tale spanning two continents, vividly told through the perspectives of several colorful main characters whose stories serve to illuminate both the intricacies and the sweep of this critical period in history.
Wang is a father of three daughters and a proud grandfather of three, and resides in Los Angeles with his wife Cindy.
Even after settling in the United States, starting a family, and becoming a successful entrepreneur and a pioneer in the aerospace industry, Wang remained an ardent Sinophile, engrossed in the lessons and impact of the Opium War and its aftermath. This passion only grew as Wang took note of the modern parallels—particularly the current opioid crisis—that echo similar events and actions from this earlier period.
Wang spent years researching the history, facts, and fictions of the Opium War, talking to numerous experts on the subject, both in the United States as well as on Mainland China. In 2018 he embarked on an intensive research trip to Guangzhou (Canton), the nexus of the opium trade and the ensuing conflict, and was granted rare private tours of its museums, led by some of China’s preeminent scholars on the topic.
What he saw and learned provided an exceptional window into many of the elements that eventually found its way into Wang’s first book on the subject, The Opium Lord’s Daughter, a historical novel told from both perspectives—Chinese and Western—about this dramatic and history-altering conflict. Wang’s story takes the reader directly into a tale spanning two continents, vividly told through the perspectives of several colorful main characters whose stories serve to illuminate both the intricacies and the sweep of this critical period in history.
Wang is a father of three daughters and a proud grandfather of three, and resides in Los Angeles with his wife Cindy.
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October 14, 2019Robert has written a very interesting book about a part of history that I knew nothing about, and I particularly enjoy the character, Travers Higgins.
November 8, 2019
My review for Readers' Favorite.
I have just finished reading The Opium Lord’s Daughter by Robert Wang, which tells the story of the family of Lord Lee Shao Lin, his daughter Su-Mei and his number one son Lee da Ping during the time of the opium Wars between Britain and China. Many people may not know of the travesty of this unevenly fought war when the British navy attacked China to ensure uninterrupted trade in tea, porcelain, silks, and spices. Since China had no need to import anything from the west, the currency used to buy Chinese goods was Chinese silver which the British obtained by illegally importing opium into China. Everyone was involved, the Chinese merchants, the corrupt customs officials, the addicts who would do what it took to obtain more of the drug. But then the Emperor issued a decree to halt the trade and the troubles begin. At this time, Sue-Mei meets Travers Higgins from Yorkshire and falls in love – a cross-cultural affair unheard of and disapproved of in 1840. The stage is set for an explosive story in more ways than one.
The Opium Lord’s Daughter is one of the best books I have read this year. I read it in a day and a half and loved every bit of it. The characters leaped off the pages, I connected with Sue-Mei the heroine and the words flowed effortlessly. For the hours I was engrossed in this book I was living in the 1800s in China, surrounded by the sights and smells, the customs and the laughter and sorrow of the young couple and her family. The historical information was woven seamlessly into the story and I suspect the author researched the facts thoroughly, backed up by the pictures in the back of the book featuring many of the real characters mentioned at the time. A fairly balanced argument from both sides which highlights the greed and avarice and arrogance of man which has not changed one iota in the last two hundred years. I highly recommend this book, and I shall file it away to read again in the future. I wish I could award it 6 stars.
April 4, 2021
I was happy to receive a promotional copy of Robert Wang’s new work. It’s a historical novel set during the opium wars, The Opium Lords Daughter, features a strong female character, Su Mei. From the age of 4 she stands up for herself and her beliefs in a very rigid male dominated culture. The author does a good job portraying both the English and Chinese sides of the war through character development. I found The Opium Lords Daughter riveting and well written.
March 13, 2020
It was very easy to become engrossed in this incredible story of a young woman who is caught in between her family, love, her culture, war, and so many other things. I was blown away by the various commonalities that we share in modern times with a portion of history over 150 years old. With the ways that East and West traded drugs for other textiles, it totally blew my mind! Even though the story that is spun is historical fiction, it very clearly has many factual history points to it. The author did a magnificent job pulling in such facts, a clear history of not only the Chinese culture but that of English ideas. It’s a story that will pull at your heartstrings and pull you in far. I think it's an important book to read as it sheds light on something that is ageless, war and the battle we face fighting addiction as a society then and now.
February 25, 2020
I received a free kindle edition of this book through a giveaway on Goodreads; my honest review is as follows...
This is a tragic love story interweaved with the First Opium War between China and Britain. The story starts off to let the reader know how some of the customs in China were during the 1800s, like foot binding of girls in wealthy families. Also the reader is introduced in how the British perceived the Chinese and vice versa with their slang names for each other and hostility.
I will admit that I had a hard time staying interested in the book at the beginning, but the more I read I wanted to see how the story played out. So if you feel the same way, just stick with it. There were some things that were a bit repetitive in the writing like the mannerisms and a few phrases which was a little distracting.
This is a unique subject matter and I do not believe I have ever read anything of fiction set during any of the Opium Wars.
For a debut novel, I give Robert Wang 3 1/2 stars. I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
This is a tragic love story interweaved with the First Opium War between China and Britain. The story starts off to let the reader know how some of the customs in China were during the 1800s, like foot binding of girls in wealthy families. Also the reader is introduced in how the British perceived the Chinese and vice versa with their slang names for each other and hostility.
I will admit that I had a hard time staying interested in the book at the beginning, but the more I read I wanted to see how the story played out. So if you feel the same way, just stick with it. There were some things that were a bit repetitive in the writing like the mannerisms and a few phrases which was a little distracting.
This is a unique subject matter and I do not believe I have ever read anything of fiction set during any of the Opium Wars.
For a debut novel, I give Robert Wang 3 1/2 stars. I look forward to reading more of his books in the future.
May 6, 2020
The Opium Lord's Daughter by Robert Wang is a fabulous read with lots of drama and suspense wrapped in a historical novel. This is a fascinating historical novel set during the 1st Opium War between China and Britain in late 1830s/ early 1840s. This is a time I was completely unfamiliar with prior to reading this book. The author's note at the beginning was very helpful in filling in the facts behind the story. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review of the novel.
The story is based on the trade of opium by the British into China. Basically, the British wanted the Chinese silk and tea but the Chinese didn't want anything from the British. The British began providing opium the Chinese paid for in silver which was then used to buy the tea and silk to take back to Britain. The Chinese people became addicted to the opium and the Emperor decided to put an end to the illegal trade. This story is set around that event in history and is filled with many details pertaining to the cultural history of China including foot binding, daughter's obedience/secondary existence and the possession of Hong Kong by Britain.
The main character, Su Mei, and her brother, Da Ping, are raised as privileged members of the noble class in Canton. The idyllic life changes suddenly when their father's involvement in the opium trade is made known. The siblings lives are changed forever over the course of a short period of time.
The only drawback to the novel and the reason I didn't give it a 5 star review is the timeline is a bit difficult to follow at times. I found myself repeatedly flipping to different chapters to see when the action was taking place. The author does a good job of blending a flashback with the story in the "present" time setting but it could be hard to know when the action was taking place. Additionally, there were a few times when the book was switching between characters/scenes within a chapter and it was hard to follow. It took a sentence or two to realize the transition was taking place. It wasn't a major issue, but it did force a reread of portions to get my bearing and hence slowed the pace a bit.
I really enjoyed this book. What's not to like, the book is filled with naval battles, illegal drug trade and unlikely allies. It was quite interesting to learn about some of the cultural traditions of 19th century China and the relationship with the British. If you have any interest in learning about history of other cultures or are interested in a historical novel not based around WWII, I can highly recommend this book.
The story is based on the trade of opium by the British into China. Basically, the British wanted the Chinese silk and tea but the Chinese didn't want anything from the British. The British began providing opium the Chinese paid for in silver which was then used to buy the tea and silk to take back to Britain. The Chinese people became addicted to the opium and the Emperor decided to put an end to the illegal trade. This story is set around that event in history and is filled with many details pertaining to the cultural history of China including foot binding, daughter's obedience/secondary existence and the possession of Hong Kong by Britain.
The main character, Su Mei, and her brother, Da Ping, are raised as privileged members of the noble class in Canton. The idyllic life changes suddenly when their father's involvement in the opium trade is made known. The siblings lives are changed forever over the course of a short period of time.
The only drawback to the novel and the reason I didn't give it a 5 star review is the timeline is a bit difficult to follow at times. I found myself repeatedly flipping to different chapters to see when the action was taking place. The author does a good job of blending a flashback with the story in the "present" time setting but it could be hard to know when the action was taking place. Additionally, there were a few times when the book was switching between characters/scenes within a chapter and it was hard to follow. It took a sentence or two to realize the transition was taking place. It wasn't a major issue, but it did force a reread of portions to get my bearing and hence slowed the pace a bit.
I really enjoyed this book. What's not to like, the book is filled with naval battles, illegal drug trade and unlikely allies. It was quite interesting to learn about some of the cultural traditions of 19th century China and the relationship with the British. If you have any interest in learning about history of other cultures or are interested in a historical novel not based around WWII, I can highly recommend this book.
February 22, 2020
Disclosure: I won a copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway.
Going into this book I didn't know very much about the history between China and Great Britain, especially with regard to the opium trade. I'm certainly interested in further reading about that period after reading this book, and I think that's a big check in the positive column for any work of historical fiction. Of particular interest to me was the degree of forced ignorance of the Chinese emperor, I wonder what things would have been like if China was a strongly led nation with a well-informed leader.
I enjoyed this book and if I had any complaint perhaps it would be that some the time-frames presented seem a little condensed. I may be wrong, but the time that it took for one character to become fairly proficient in English feels a little... brief. It's a small thing, I just found myself thinking about it while reading.
I found the female protagonist, Su-Mei, to be an engaging personality, her dynamic with her family was interesting to follow. The British characters here did feel a little superficial, but with the exception of Travers it did not affect the story very much. Oddly, one of the secondary characters, Little Spring, was one of my favorites.
Going into this book I didn't know very much about the history between China and Great Britain, especially with regard to the opium trade. I'm certainly interested in further reading about that period after reading this book, and I think that's a big check in the positive column for any work of historical fiction. Of particular interest to me was the degree of forced ignorance of the Chinese emperor, I wonder what things would have been like if China was a strongly led nation with a well-informed leader.
I enjoyed this book and if I had any complaint perhaps it would be that some the time-frames presented seem a little condensed. I may be wrong, but the time that it took for one character to become fairly proficient in English feels a little... brief. It's a small thing, I just found myself thinking about it while reading.
I found the female protagonist, Su-Mei, to be an engaging personality, her dynamic with her family was interesting to follow. The British characters here did feel a little superficial, but with the exception of Travers it did not affect the story very much. Oddly, one of the secondary characters, Little Spring, was one of my favorites.
September 12, 2023
This was a book club read and an interesting topic that I haven't read about before. With that being said I found it interesting to learn about the Opium trade between Britain and China. It is amazing how something that happened so long ago between countries stemming from greed and the need for profit still happens today. The only difference being that now it's pharmaceutical companies keeping people addicted for profit which is sad and unethical.
As far as the character's I think they could have been developed a bit more. I never really connected to anyone in particular but I did want to keep reading to find out what outcome Su-Mei would have. I feel that the author tried too hard to throw in a little bit of everything in regard to the characters lives instead of choosing and developing a few issues in a deeper more meaningful way. I also liked that both the British and Chinese perspectives were given on the subject. Each country thought they were justified. All in all it kept my attention and I would give it a 3.5.
As far as the character's I think they could have been developed a bit more. I never really connected to anyone in particular but I did want to keep reading to find out what outcome Su-Mei would have. I feel that the author tried too hard to throw in a little bit of everything in regard to the characters lives instead of choosing and developing a few issues in a deeper more meaningful way. I also liked that both the British and Chinese perspectives were given on the subject. Each country thought they were justified. All in all it kept my attention and I would give it a 3.5.
April 7, 2020
The Opium Lord’s Daughter by Robert Wang was both an informative and really fun read. You learn a lot about an intriguing event in history, as well as about Chinese culture, while becoming engrossed in the story. I loved the characters, particularly Su-Mei, but also Travers Higgins; the other characters, while perhaps less lovable, were vividly drawn. As mentioned, the story takes place during the first Opium War, an event often forgotten in today’s West, but which was pivotal in shaping modern Chinese history and which has relevance to this day. I heartily recommend this book, and commend the author’s command of the historical backdrop to his riveting story. Congratulations to author Robert Wang for his excellent debut novel!
August 19, 2023
Su-Mei, the daughter of the most powerful Opium Lord, Shao Lin Lee is feisty from an early age and refuses to have her feet bound, as is the customed among the well to do families. The action is set up to the time of the First Opium War in the early years of Queen Victoria's reign. The growing middle classes in England had a desire for Chinese goods, silks, ceramics and tea. China saw nothing it wanted from the British except silver, the merchants found they could smuggle opium by bribing the right officials and make huge profits and return to Britain with cargoes of Chinese goods entailing even more profits. Opium addiction spread throughout China and the Emperor tried to clamp down on this narcotic poison banning the import of opium and appointing a special emissary to clamp down on the trade. The British responded with force sending the Royal Navy to defend the merchants and open up new ports to the British. Su-Mei falls in love with a British naval officer, a mixed relationship frowned on by both the Chinese and the British. The book is partly an exposition of what led to the First Opium War and partly the romance between a British Officer and a Chinese woman whose father was for a time a very successful opium trader. The characters are interesting and nuanced, the pacing could be faster in the middle of the book but picks up at the end. The book was not merely entertaining but I also learnt a lot about a disgraceful episode in British history, that proved very humiliating for the Chinese.
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July 25, 2025The Opium Lord’s Daughter by Robert Wang is a compelling blend of historical fiction and emotional depth. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century China, it explores themes of love, loyalty, identity, and personal sacrifice. Wang’s storytelling brings the era to life with vivid detail and cultural insight. The characters are well-developed and relatable, their struggles and growth keeping me hooked throughout. This novel offers both an engaging narrative and a thought-provoking look at a pivotal time in history. A powerful and moving read
June 23, 2024
This book was entertaining and kept me thinking about it but at the same time it was kind of off….there were huge events and relationships building over only a couple of pages. Characters met and after their first meeting said they would die for the other which felt rushed. Great bones of a story, I just would have liked it to be longer to give these characters and storylines more time to fully develop.
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July 25, 2025The Opium Lord’s Daughter offers a fascinating glimpse into a world shaped by history, personal sacrifice, and cultural conflict. Robert Wang skillfully weaves drama with rich historical insight to tell a powerful story of love, loyalty, and the search for identity. The characters are vividly drawn, and their emotional journeys kept me engaged from beginning to end. A thought-provoking and moving read that lingers long after the final page.
July 25, 2025
The Opium Lord’s Daughter is a gripping and emotionally charged story that kept me hooked from start to finish. Robert Wang weaves history, family drama, and complex characters into a rich narrative that explores themes of identity and resilience. The story’s depth and pacing make it a compelling read for anyone who loves layered fiction
July 25, 2025
The Opium Lord’s Daughter is a compelling story that weaves together history, family drama, and cultural conflict with great sensitivity. Robert Wang creates complex characters whose journeys of self-discovery and courage kept me engaged throughout. The plot unfolds with suspense and emotion, making it a memorable read that stays with you long after the last page.
July 25, 2025
The Opium Lord’s Daughter is a powerful and evocative novel that delves into the challenges of family secrets and cultural legacy. Robert Wang’s storytelling is immersive, painting a vivid picture of the characters’ struggles and growth. The emotional depth and historical richness make this a standout book that resonated deeply with me.
August 6, 2020
Excellent introduction to a disgraceful history
The author breathed life into the disgraceful story of the British economic war with China over the right to import opium into China through his characters.
The author breathed life into the disgraceful story of the British economic war with China over the right to import opium into China through his characters.
October 14, 2022
Very interesting book with alot of historical background. Makes one really think about the effects of importing drugs to countries and how long this has been going on. Apparently a never ending issue when everything is about making money.
February 9, 2025
Excellent book
Entertaining way to learn about this dark period in history. So informative. I have a much better understanding of the opium war and its effect on the British and the Chinese people. Very sad.
Entertaining way to learn about this dark period in history. So informative. I have a much better understanding of the opium war and its effect on the British and the Chinese people. Very sad.
March 4, 2020
Good read!
It was historical and included a love story. Very interesting read and the pages flew! I highly recommend this book!
It was historical and included a love story. Very interesting read and the pages flew! I highly recommend this book!
July 26, 2020
Bit of a limp love story based on the Opium Wars. A very short period does not do it justice. Preferred The Sea of Poppies Trilogy.
October 3, 2020
Mine was a kindle addition. This ebook need serious proofreading.
July 16, 2022
wow
The British have so much to answer to based on their appalling history. Thank you for this book. More like this need to be written
The British have so much to answer to based on their appalling history. Thank you for this book. More like this need to be written
August 3, 2022
Loved it
Wonderful story about that era. It had historical facts, love, pain, heartbreak, surprise...all good traits for a nice read. I will read this author again.
Wonderful story about that era. It had historical facts, love, pain, heartbreak, surprise...all good traits for a nice read. I will read this author again.
August 10, 2022
Excellent read
Robert Wang is a great story teller. Fascinating story with lots of information on the opium wars. Loved this book.
Robert Wang is a great story teller. Fascinating story with lots of information on the opium wars. Loved this book.
October 9, 2022
I learned a lot
Very interesting read, there was a lot I did not know about the opium wars. This story made it easier to understand.
Very interesting read, there was a lot I did not know about the opium wars. This story made it easier to understand.
February 24, 2024
An enjoyable read and a great opportunity to learn about this lesser known but vitally important period in Chinese history. Wang’s book provides a pivotal perspective for Chinese culture.
March 6, 2024
Could not get into it.
April 21, 2024
More story! I think this could be rewritten for a fantastic historical novel but as it stands, it’s clunky
August 10, 2024
A goof read
It was interesting to read about the opium wars . I had heard about it but never learned the detail . A good read . Recommend it to those who are interested in Chinese history .
It was interesting to read about the opium wars . I had heard about it but never learned the detail . A good read . Recommend it to those who are interested in Chinese history .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews