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Between Four Rivers
Tigers. Bandits. A 10,000 mile journey. Ning Xi must face them all as she sets out to make her fortune in the wild and perilous province of Sichuan.
1694: Sichuan is empty, depopulated by war, famine and plague. When the emperor issues a decree asking citizens to re-settle this former land of abundance, Ning Xi takes up the call, vowing to find her father, Ning Degong, who vanished in Sichuan years ago. Beset by tigers, bandits, and a powerful old enemy, this courageous woman and her family must face countless dangers - including a new set of rivals, the influential Zhao clan - to build a new life in this wild land.
Between Four Rivers is the stunning multi-generational tale of two families linked by shocking twists of fate that leave their lives and the destiny of Sichuan changed forever.
- GenresChina
482 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2019
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 7, 2019
"In order to revive Sichuan, our only choice is to recruit migrants, sending them to Sichuan to reclaim the wasteland and rebuild the province." Ning Degong, a demoted army officer, is posted as magistrate in Sichuan for one year and will provide Emperor Kangxi with a detailed report. Rongchang "...once a land of abundance, was in a state of dilapidation and desolation; destruction could be seen everywhere." In 1694, Emperor Kangzi issued an edict to recruit migrants in an attempt to repopulate and rebuild Sichuan. Causes for the dramatic drop in population included wars and famine, abandoned farmland and the increased presence of tigers that had descended from the mountains. "Manpower is the key to Sichuan's recovery. Once there are people, there will be hope...""To be worthy of the emperor's favor", Ning Degong returned to Sichuan to better aid in the province's recovery.
Ning Degong's "voice and appearance left a strong impression" in the mind of daughter, Ning Xi. She remembered his words. If something unforeseen happened and he did not return to Fijian, their hometown, his wife and child were expected to take the 10,000 mile trek to "set [themselves] as an example to other people." And so began Ning Xi's incredible journey and exemplary new life. During harsh conditions, she gave birth to twins, unassisted, in an abandoned temple, had the trajectory of her life altered by a tiger, and saved the life of a Fijian beggar, Lao Han, who kowtowed to her vowing to serve her for life.
As Ning Xi carved out a life for her family in Sichuan, she witnessed much government corruption. "The authorities have turned themselves into bandits...the authorities are as ferocious as tigers...government troops capture migrants to be sent to Sichuan. The emperor offered a handsome reward to officials who recruit the most migrants." Ning Xi's clan, the Chang clan, became embroiled in a feud with the Zhao clan...revenge...always revenge. But, Ning Xi held her head high and persevered.
"Between Four Rivers" by Wang Yu is a difficult book to review. Although Ning Xi is a standout, so many other principal and secondary protagonists have a story to tell. I was completely invested in their triumphs and tragedies. It seemed easy for officials to rise to high government positions through bribery, but, in an instant, one could fall from grace and be sent to the far corners of Sichuan sentenced to penal servitude for life! I was impressed with factual data about building sedan chairs and the production of silk and ramie fabric during early eighteen century China. The tome, however, had several drawbacks. Some character "meet-ups" seemed contrived. It might have been beneficial if the story was shortened. All in all, a fascinating historical fiction read.
Thank you Alain Charles Asia Publishing, Sinoist Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Between Four Rivers".
Ning Degong's "voice and appearance left a strong impression" in the mind of daughter, Ning Xi. She remembered his words. If something unforeseen happened and he did not return to Fijian, their hometown, his wife and child were expected to take the 10,000 mile trek to "set [themselves] as an example to other people." And so began Ning Xi's incredible journey and exemplary new life. During harsh conditions, she gave birth to twins, unassisted, in an abandoned temple, had the trajectory of her life altered by a tiger, and saved the life of a Fijian beggar, Lao Han, who kowtowed to her vowing to serve her for life.
As Ning Xi carved out a life for her family in Sichuan, she witnessed much government corruption. "The authorities have turned themselves into bandits...the authorities are as ferocious as tigers...government troops capture migrants to be sent to Sichuan. The emperor offered a handsome reward to officials who recruit the most migrants." Ning Xi's clan, the Chang clan, became embroiled in a feud with the Zhao clan...revenge...always revenge. But, Ning Xi held her head high and persevered.
"Between Four Rivers" by Wang Yu is a difficult book to review. Although Ning Xi is a standout, so many other principal and secondary protagonists have a story to tell. I was completely invested in their triumphs and tragedies. It seemed easy for officials to rise to high government positions through bribery, but, in an instant, one could fall from grace and be sent to the far corners of Sichuan sentenced to penal servitude for life! I was impressed with factual data about building sedan chairs and the production of silk and ramie fabric during early eighteen century China. The tome, however, had several drawbacks. Some character "meet-ups" seemed contrived. It might have been beneficial if the story was shortened. All in all, a fascinating historical fiction read.
Thank you Alain Charles Asia Publishing, Sinoist Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review "Between Four Rivers".
August 9, 2019
I nearly gave up on this book while reading the prologue but I'm glad I did not. Between Four Rivers is the story of Ning Xi, the sword-wielding, kung-fu fighting woman who once almost single-handedly chased away a group of bandits by grabbing the testicles of the leader. HAHA!
She goes on to build an empire by her resourcefulness and tenacity, amid the hardship and chaos of the 1700s in China. A woman of substance and excellence indeed!
Excellent story.. Just wish the translation from Chinese to English was better!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest review.
She goes on to build an empire by her resourcefulness and tenacity, amid the hardship and chaos of the 1700s in China. A woman of substance and excellence indeed!
Excellent story.. Just wish the translation from Chinese to English was better!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews