The Flower Boat Girl: A novel based on a true story

by Larry Feign

Her father traded away her youth.
Sea bandits stole her freedom.
She has one way to get them back:
Become the most powerful pirate in the world.

South China coast, 1801: Sold as a child to a floating brothel, 26-year-old Yang has finally bought her freedom, only to be kidnapped by a brutal pirate gang and forced to marry their leader.

Dragged through stormy seas and lawless bandit havens, Yang must stay scrappy to survive. She embeds herself in the dark business of piracy, carving out her role against the resistance of powerful pirate leaders and Cheung Po Tsai, her husband’s flamboyant male concubine.

Caught between bitter rivals fighting for mastery over the pirates—and for her heart—Yang faces a choice between two things she never dreamed might be hers: power or love.

Based on a true story that has never been fully told until now, The Flower Boat Girl is the tale of a woman who, against all odds, shaped history on her own terms.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Asia, China, Asian Literature, Audiobook

436 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2021

About the author

Larry Feign is an award-winning artist and writer who has worked in Honolulu, Hollywood, London, and currently in Hong Kong. Feign’s work has appeared in Time, The Economist, the New York Times, The Atlantic, and other publications around the world. He also directed animated cartoons for Disney Television and Cartoon Network. He is a MacDowell Fellow and three-time recipient of Amnesty International Human Rights Press Awards. He has published numerous books of humor, cartoons, and serious historical fiction, as well as a best-selling children’s book series under under the pen name MD Whalen.

He lives walking distance from notorious pirate haunts in a small island village with his wife, their two dogs, and the occasional uninvited python.

Reviews

[Alice Poon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining read about a legendary woman pirate from 19th Century Southern China. The prose was lush, sensual and pellucid. It was almost like watching an action movie.

The account of how pirates struggle with manipulating authorities, volatile and deadly weather, interpersonal conflicts, skirmishes with other pirates and all sorts of sea-faring hardships came alive on the page.

The thing I liked best about the novel was the bitter-sweet relationship between the protagonist and her pirate husband Cheng Yat. It was a tumultuous one to say the least, at once mutually dependent and mutually resentful, full of drama, competition, jealousy, tension and forgiveness. It felt super real and touching.

As one reviewer has already pointed out, in Part IV, Cheng Yat Sou's approach towards snatching the leader role in the Confederation of Pirates was glossed over and not quite convincing enough. The character of Cheung Po Tsai also came across as a little blurry.

I have no hesitation in recommending this novel to anyone who loves a downright good story. I'm giving it 4.4 stars.

[Christy fictional_traits · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eek - I’ve finally decided to DNF this. I loved the overall premise but I really found it difficult to be drawn in to the story. The writing style simply didn’t resonate with me. I hoped it was a mood thing, as I rarely dnf - even if I have to skim. But after putting it down, about a third of the way in, I simply could not motivate myself to pick it up. 😢

[Jesus Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flower Boat Girl

Basada en la historia de Zheng Yi Sao (Cheng Yat Sou en el libro), mujer que comando legiones de piartas en la mar de China. Novelizacion de como paso de ser una chica de FlowerBoat, a esposa de un capitán pirata, a crear y controlar una confederación de piratas y gobernar los mares.

Bastante interesante, con buenas dosis de acción, si bien creo que le falto darnos un poco más de info histórica, quizá en notas al pie, creo que logra un buen balance que logra hacer una lectura fluida e interesante.

Y siempre es bonito leer libros de piratas

4.5 stars

[Sabita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unusual to find a book that's a fast paced read, while being informative and unusual, with a simple yet elegantly descriptive prose. Larry Feign's new book manages to do all that and what's more, hearing of his passion in this project made the latter half of the book even more interesting for me.

In a time when the topics du jour like diversity, environment, politics, bleak futures and race have left me jaded and weary, a historical fiction book about a woman pirate back in the 19th century in and around Hong Kong came as a fresh and welcome respite. Firstly, it was fascinating to understand more about the history of the place I call home from a pirate's eyes and all those years ago. It was great fun to try and match the old names of the places to what we know today. It was even greater fun to try and imagine the places and people we know today in the context of the 19th century. In that, this book succeeds in delivering exactly what good books should i.e. send us on flights of imagination into other worlds. Most of all, i loved the protagonist's pizzazz, her spirited dialogues, and trenchant wit in repartee. There is a lot of learning about seafarers and ships, and the difficult conditions they managed in, brought to life by Larry Feign in his conversation with us. It was also very interesting to hear of the way he pieced together the jigsaw of the life of Yang based on very little historical matter - he clearly caveats that the novel is probably more fiction than history, but the setting and context nevertheless was enthralling. I also think his ability to write in the voice of the first person, that too, a woman, was pretty neat - seemed pretty authentic to me. I also enjoyed the description of the vision and strategy that she applies to grow her "business" particularly in setting up the confederation, and again when they group to discuss Cheng Yat's successor - there are many relevant concepts that apply to growing any business, which capitalises on human behaviour and interaction.

If there is one complaint i have about the novel, its her various romantic dalliances with Kwok Podai and Cheung Po Tsai, which seemed to be written with a more wavering hand. Cheung Po Tsai's character development also seemed a bit strange and variable - I could not get a handle of what kind of a person he was. I also felt that the end was a bit abrupt - the approach that Yang takes to become the leader of the confederation did not seem convincing. Small quibbles in a book that otherwise does a stellar job in discussing the life and times of Shek Yang (Cheng Yat Sou).

Examples of some of the richly evocative descriptions in the book:

"The sky turned the colour of weak red tea. A fat orange moon peeked over the eastern tip of the island. We divided pomelos and starfruit among the children and ourselves, and for the first time, I felt a sense of community among this hodge-podge group of seamen and women"

"Firecrackers exploded beside the ship. People screamed. A woman slipped off a platform onto other women below. This had not been part of rehearsals.
"Aiya! Too soon!" Ah-Yi said.
"Cheng Chat's wife rose from her seat, her face burning like a lobster in a hot wok. She raised her skirt, tramped down to the gunwale, and shrieked over the side: 'You dog-faced idiot spawn of turtle pricks! I'll have your balls cut off and fed to crows just for that!'
"I an the entire ship broke into hysterics. From that moment, I knew we'd be friends".

"Disgust washed over me, and at first, I didn't understand why. It wasn't the brutality of the Ten Thousand Cuts. I'd seen enough torment and dying among the pirates, sometimes for no reason that to steal a little boat. I myself had taken a man's life. Why should this execution bother me so?
Finally I understood my disgust. I'd have pried more information by simply having him alone in a room"

[Fiona Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novel I've read about the Chinese woman known to history as Cheng I Sao (the first was Dragon Lady by Autumn Bardot). I prefer The Flower Boat Girl, because it delves deeper into the Cantonese culture and the motivations of our heroine (known here as Yang). The setting is really well done; the ships, the ports, the shrines, the sea itself. I love how Yang has a thing about buying scented soaps whenever she can!
The novel does not shy away from violence, including sexual violence, but it is never gratuitous. Yang observes and adapts to her situation, turning the worst circumstances to her advantage. The novel ends when she finally reaches the position of pirate queen; I assume a sequel will continue her fascinating story.

[Mandy Talan · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a DNF for me 🤷‍♀️

[Tiffaroonie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just awful. Really terrible. You can tell this is a completely unauthentic story written by a white man. It’s so culturally incorrect and pains me to have wasted time finishing this. Can you say yellow fever? Clearly the author has a Chinese sex slave fetish fantasy. Of course she should be super intelligent and cunning.

Barf barf barf.

[Tracy Sauvageau · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 4.5/5.0
Genre: Historical Fiction

Wow! Based on a true story, this novel had me hooked from the beginning! This book reads like an epic movie!! Packed with adventure, action, tragedy, triumph and rich characters, this story will capture your heart!

[Jo Anna Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out strong, stayed good somewhat in the middle then just started to drag.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Flower Boat Girl” is based on a true story about a young woman named Yang, living in South China in the early 1800s. The story is told through her voice and begins with her life as a “flower boat girl”- sold by her father into a life of prostitution. Saving up enough money to leave that life behind, she is kidnapped by a group of pirates and taken as the wife of their leader.

Overall, I found this story intriguing. The author did a great job of combining a story that moved along with enough historical details that made it feel authentic. The tale takes place in a time and place I am not super familiar with, so I really enjoyed reading about something different. While the setting was fascinating, the protagonist made the story. She’s complex, driven, broken, and a dreamer. I loved following her on her journey. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hung up on one passage in the book a short comment about the main character and her skill set with men. I thought nope nope a man wrote that because that is how a man sees, and she would not have relayed that moment with those words. Wrong wrong. It affected how I read and felt through the entire book, and that was sad for me because the book was interesting and so historically well researched in detail that it was rich with a sense of the ships and life on them. The characters were interesting and vividly portrayed, the author took you there and it was a ride! When I read the acknowledgement, and he gave his wife credit for guiding him through the process and developing the characters, I felt a little softer toward him and the one spot in the book that I didn't feel was accurate to a womans emotions and thinking. I think I am actually looking forward to the sequel that is in the works. I'm pretty sure it's making my reading list when it is released.

[Janak Jobanputra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a slog. Portions of the book have tons of exposition for no particular reason and then other portions sprint through the plot as if were rushing to the finish line. I really didn’t connect to any of the characters at all, and didn’t really feel any sense of attachment to any of their stories. This story was about Shek Yang, a sex worker turned pirate captain, but it never really seemed to me that she did much of anything besides complain to her husband, yell at those around her, and complain about being pregnant and/or a mother.

Honestly would’ve given up on this book 1/3 of the way through if it wasn’t a part of one of my book clubs.

[Mariel Yulo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and very informative -- ending was a bit abrupt and conclusion felt a bit rushed but other than that, it was great.

Interesting take on the woman known to be the greatest pirate in the world. Her relationship with her husband was a complicated one, but how the author wrote about their marriage was very interesting despite it being mutually reliant and hostile at the same time.

[Monica Caves · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting storyline. Despite the helpful character guide and map I still had a hard time keeping up with where Yang was and who she was talking to. I liked that she made the most of her situation throughout the book, staying true to her character.

[Terry Crossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, especially after having lived in Hong Kong for 12 years through the 80's. The "heroine" is quite a character. Ambitious and clearly more clever than any of the men in her damaged life. The book is well paced and the evocation of the South China seas in the early pre-opium war days was well done. I personally remember so clearly the scene of cannons in Tong Chung on Lantao Island and that fishing village and island of Chep Lap Kok prior to the new airport being built there. A great read that is also historically accurate.

[Alyssa Hom · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found The Flower Boat Girl to be just okay overall. While the premise had promise, I struggled to get into the story and found the pacing slow for much of the book. The main character, although undoubtedly a true heroine, felt somewhat implausible at times, which made it hard to fully connect with her journey.
The last 20 pages were enjoyable.

[Chris Maden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A disclaimer: I know the author, Larry Feign, and have long admired his previous work. But I'm also delighted to say that I'd give this novel the same five stars even if I'd never heard of him.

Like the best historical fiction, this novel is authentic to the core. Set on the south coast of China where Hong Kong now is, but at the turn of the nineteenth century, decades before it became Hong Kong, this is the story of a brave and courageous, but also very angry lady. Sold into prostitution at an early age, Shek Yang is abducted during a pirate raid. Clever, ruthless and manipulative, the book charts her journey with the pirate fleet of Cheng Yat - who takes Shek Yang for his bride.

There is a dark sense of humour that runs through the story. It takes some time for Shek Yang to push Cheng Yat into a formal wedding ceremony and, when she does, he does it in style, with a huge wedding banquet. All does not go to plan:

"Firecrackers exploded beside the ship. People screamed. A woman slipped off a platform onto other women below. This had not been part of rehearsals.
"`Aiya! Too soon!' Ah-Yi said.
"Cheng Chat's wife rose from her seat, her face burning like a lobster in a hot wok. She raised her skirts, tramped down to the gunwale, and shrieked over the side: 'You dog-faced idiot spawn of turtle pricks! I'll have your balls cut off and fed to crows just for that!'
"I and the entire ship broke into hysterics. From that moment, I knew we'd be friends."

Piracy was not romanticised in Chinese literature (strangely, banditry was), and nor does this novel romaticise piracy. There is humour, but there is also cruelty and violence; both Cheng Yat and Shek Yang are part of it. It is never depicted gratuitously, but it is a constant undertone and one of the book's strongest points is how Shek Yang's attitude changes as she starts to face up to her own brutal past. When, during her pregnancy, she is confronted with a captured spy:

"I'd witnessed the Ten Thousand Cuts years ago in a Kwangchow square and had joined in the hateful lust of the crowd watching a criminal be sliced apart piece by tiny piece. It was too late to back out. I had to take [Cheng Yat's] dare."

The spy is tortured, bits cut off one at a time. Shek Yang threatens but does not participate in the violence. She flees:

"Disgust washed over me, and at first, I didn't understand why. It wasn't the brutality of the Ten Thousand Cuts. I'd seen enough torment and dying among the pirates, sometimes for no other reason than to steal a little boat. I myself had taken a man's life. Why should this execution bother me so?
...
"Finally, I understood my disgust.
"I'd have pried more information by simply having him alone in a room."

Through these and similar incidents, Shek Yang starts to gain the respect of the pirates, and also of her husband. She is visionary, and leads the Cheng Yat, and the leaders of other pirate fleets, to a different way of conducting their affairs, a less precarious mode of existence. The latter part of the novel sees her rise in power - albeit with some very serious rivals.

The novel is scrupulous in sticking to the known facts. In less able hands, this would lead to a disguised history book. But, under the author's hands, far from detracting from the dramatic tension of the plot, the novel's historical fidelity adds to it. We know from Four Finger Wu in the opening pages of James Clavell's Noble House that that novel is set in a romanticised version of Hong Kong, and are prepared to be entertained rather than informed. In a contrasting vein, we know from the opening pages of The Flower Boat Girl that it's going to be gritty detail from cover to cover. The history never intrudes, but the solid factual basis of the novel, combined with a myriad of small observations, gives it a fabric and texture that kept me turning the pages until the back cover.

There is, according to Larry, the possibility of a follow-up novel. I'll be eager to read it. As to this one, it's on my shelf for a re-read.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the early 19th century, The Flower Boat Girl is the story of Shek Yang (Cheng Yat Sou), who rises from being sold into the sex trade as a young girl to becoming the most powerful female pirate known to sail the South China Sea. Soon after the death of her newborn brother and her mother, Shek Yang’s father sells her into prostitution where she finds herself working on a Flower Boat, a floating brothel. It is here that she meets her future husband, Cheng Yat. The two have a violent encounter and he declares, “Beautiful as a butterfly, fierce as a tiger”. After he kisses Shek Yang, he continues, “Tell the crew I’m taking a wife”.

When Larry Feign first learned about Cheng Yat Sou, he became fascinated with this woman whom he believed was strong, sharp, and a force to be reckoned with. After some research, he told his wife, Dr. Cathy Tsang-Feign, PhD, that he wished he could find a book about this notorious pirate queen. His wife’s response was "Write the book", and this he did. Feign dove deeper into his research focusing on local folklore, ship technology, and the culture. The result is this fictional biography based on the true story of Cheng Yat Sou.

Initially, the harsh and violent culture of the 19th-century pirate life that was depicted through vivid, and sometimes unrefined, language was surprising. However, as I took into account the true risks and perils of the pirate lifestyle, I realized that Feign did an outstanding job painting what was the genuine culture. Once I realized this, I was able to pick up the rhythm and the beat of the story. I was able to grasp a deeper understanding of what it took for Cheng Yat Sou to rise to the status of Pirate Queen.

Feign, as a master storyteller, tells a gripping tale of genuine pain and how one woman’s pain helped her to find the inner strength to not only survive, but to find a life that she, and others, would never have imagined for a lowly flower boat girl. While reading the novel, I became absorbed in Cheng Yat Sou’s story. Like Feign, I found the need and desire to learn more about this woman. And, like Feign, I discovered that there were only bits and pieces of information, mostly legend, with the most interesting being that the character Mistress Ching from the film Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End was based on the life of the real Cheng Yat Sou (or at least her legend).

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Susan Appleyard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reluctant to review this book because I know very little about Chinese history and I have never been attracted to it. I am so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone because this is an extraordinary story.
Set in China in the early 19th century, this epic story revolves around Shek Yang, and the main man in her life, Cheng Yat. Shek Yang was bartered by her father as a child and scrapes a living as a prostitute on a dilapidated boat from the men in the nearby village. One day pirates raid the village when she happens to be there and she is carried off to become a slave. Despite her fighting hard enough to do him an injury, the pirate captain likes her spirit and forcefully makes her his wife. He is taciturn, rough and free with his blows. This is not a love match, but it is a delight to watch these two tough people learn to respect and trust each other.
There is more to Shek Yang than first meets the eye. She knows nothing about piracy or seafaring, but she has an instinctive knowledge of leadership and also knows a thing or two about manipulating men. After she forms a partnership with Cheng, both transcend their humble beginnings and plan to rule the China coast.
A bevy of other pirates and their leaders populate the book and they come in all different shapes, sizes and sorts – a poet among them. All are hard-core, not only fighting for plunder but intriguing against each other. To say it’s a cut-throat world is rather to state the obvious. The pages are packed with action, but the reader gets a breathing space while Shek Yang and Cheng Yat fight each other.
Kudos to the author for the research. It can’t have been easy getting information on 19th century pirates and actually getting in their skin the way he has. He has not softened his pirates. They are authentic and yet we can still cheer them on. I even came to like Cheng Yat.
Violence, sexuality and obscenities are part of the package, but I highly recommended it especially for readers who want something different.

[Lisa Frieden · Rating 2 out of 5]

My book club had described this book as an historical account about a real life female pirate in China. I found it amusing [SPOILER ALERT] --- Shek Yang doesn't become a pirate until the end of of the book! The author says the NEXT book will be about her adventures as pirate.

Anyhoo, since we were going to discuss it in my book club, I dutifully read the book. The story is quite straightforward and uncomplicated, using simple language to linearly chronicle the events of Shek Yang's life. Feign does a thorough job researching the historical context and immersing the reader in the historical world in which Shek Yang lives and operates. I did find it problematic that Feign actually "feigned" a young woman's first person narrative voice for the story - because the brutal way in which he breezes over all the sexual assault she experienced made me extremely uncomfortable.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*

An epic and fascinating read - and extremely well written. Immerses the reader in the pirate world of the South China seas in the early 1800s, offering an intriguing plot alongside a wealth of cultural and geographical detail. The writer has clearly done his research! Some of the names are hard to keep up with -- and some of the raids and journeys merged with one another -- but I let that wash over me eventually and just absorbed the moment. (Reading it in stages due to other commitments probably didn't help!) Excellent if you like historical fiction / epic saga. The fact that it's based on a true story makes it all the more intriguing. I could picture this as a movie.

[Kathleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Been a while since I disliked a book so much. I just couldn't ever like the main character. I get that her beginning was difficult. So many people have deeply painful pasts though.

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should've quit this one; I didn't enjoy it. The modern narrative voice and dialogue kept reminding me this was a construct, even if it's based on a true story and set circa 1800. I didn't much like the heroine either; I found her abrasive. This book is quite long, and then it ends just when the story gets really interesting—apparently, there's a planned sequel. On the plus side, I thought Feign did a convincing job writing from a female point-of-view. Whether he captured a Chinese point-of-view, I am not qualified to say.

[Meg Perin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone please make this into a screenplay for a movie - yes! It is that good! Action packed from beginning to end. Epic. True grit. Excited for the next novel from Larry Feign!

[Nicole Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely made it to my top 3. A beautiful story about a powerful woman.

[Dee Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

How surprising, that a man could narrate--with such accuracy--in the first person, from an ambitious woman's perspective !

Flower boat girls were, in the late 1700s and early 1800s, young women and girl prostitutes acting independently, living on and conducting business in poorly maintained sampans, which were small, flat-bottomed boats, usually with a kind of tent or overhang for sleeping. They were utterly without resources except for their very bodies; in public emergencies, they were denied access to the cities that could protect them. They were shunned by society and marked with shame. One of them was Zheng Yi Sao (1775–1844; born Shi Yang, a.k.a. Shi Xianggu), also known as Ching Shih, who became a Chinese pirate leader active in the South China Sea from 1801 to 1810. Ultimately, she led a fleet of 70,000 men.

Her start in this fictionalized version of history begins with her capture by a sea captain, who uses her body as had every other man except her father, who'd sold her into prostitution when she was a child. She fights him, a veritable spitfire, which affords her some respect--and she takes it and runs, eventually getting him to agree to marriage. And so much more.

As she narrates her saga, the author internalizes how she thinks and the questions she asks herself--and that narrative is both compelling and profoundly captivating:

"Maybe I had freedom all wrong. Maybe freedom without limits was a trap. Even the magpies, free to take themselves anywhere, return to the same tree every sunset. Maybe freedom required a border, a fence, a canopy to operate within. Within the confines of a ship. Within the society of bandits."

"Was I the woman I could be? I’d always had a price but never been valued by anyone. I’d only ever belonged to anything because I’d been sold. Half my life I had dreamed of escape. Maybe it was time to finally embrace being part of something. Being one of them. I must have made noise when I sat up. The chanting paused. He turned his head. “I want a wedding,” I said. He nodded once and returned to his prayers."

As her husband prepares to meet the Emperor of China (an opium addicted, teen-aged boy), she witnesses a cavalcade of more than 60 armored elephants, a highly specialized military army--elephants a species she had never seen before (and beautifully described)--and is stunned by its fantastic display of raw power. She is further stunned by this army's leader:

"The emperor’s uncle clapped his hands. Three sentries rushed forward. Two removed the general’s armor, then stepped aside to let the third remove the helmet. My eyes stung as if someone had poked them. Of all the strange sights they had seen this unfathomable year, some terrifying and some beyond belief, this was the least fathomable of all. The lord of the elephant cavalry, the supreme commanding general of the Annamese Empire, was a woman."

Along the way, she discovers the double-edged sword of being needed when, despite her best efforts, she becomes pregnant:

"Of all the experiences that were new to me of late—to find a home among outcasts, to sit in the presence of royalty and face a powerful woman, to be wounded in war—perhaps the most perplexing was this: to be needed by another person. Being blasted by a cannon shell, one either died or became crippled; the consequences were easy to predict. Not so when one was struck by love. I’d thought that being needed would fill a thirsty heart, but nothing was that clear. Love could be its own prison."

As she is being lectured on her wifely duties as a mother-to-be, and of the love this woman insists will flow naturally,, she exclaims:

" 'Maybe you’re older than me and wiser, so teach me. Because love is something I’ve only ever seen in street operas. It’s something faked by people in face paint. It’s something poets scribble into words contrived to manipulate your heart. It’s something I learned to fake on the flower boats. I’d
have to fake it to claim that I love this thing inside me.' ” In the 21st century, with headlines screaming the terrible ways mothers have sometimes inflicted torture and death upon their young, we're indeed learning that maternal love is neither essential nor instinctual; those who struggled for survival with uncaring or cruel parents, especially, do not emerge unscathed.

This sense of what women feel, what they want, and how infrequently society allows them that, is riveting especially because this is a MAN who gets it. As we read we learn just how restrictive Chinese society was then, when women were completely isolated throughout pregnancy, and what little agency was allowed them then (none, basically).

There's a twist to the story: history indicates her husband was killed by another pirate--here, it's far more complicated, and the story is well served by the author's hypothetical version.

This was the only work available about Shi Yang, the flower boat girl who became Zheng Yi Sao, the most infamous pirate of the South China seas. Another was just released this past week: Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea, by Rita Chang-Eppig. This novel deals with the first part of her story and ends before she assumes her highest power, as this author is writing a follow up as a second book in a series. Deep as the Sky deals largely with the last part of her story, so they should dovetail for readers.

I call a must-read!

P.S. I had thought that The Flower Boat Girl by Larry Feign, the only work about the most famous woman pirate nobody had ever heard of, was worthy of 5 stars; I was impressed that a man could write a woman's thoughts well. Now there's a second book about Shek Yeung, who lived from 1775 to 1844--and written by a woman. It makes the Feign book look completely less than 5 stars, maybe more like 3. And now I think Feign didn't write a woman's innermost thoughts so much as he wrote what he PERCEIVED those thoughts SHOULD be. So this is an addendum to my review.

Chang-Eppig's prose is unsparing, almost feral, from her first person narrative--far more believable of Shek Yeung, who commanded 20,000 men, women and children on a massive fleet of war junks, than Feign's--right down to bare descriptions of weather. Read both if your have the time--the internal comparison is worth a great deal.

[Cindy Vallar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zheng Yi Sao or “wife of Zheng” – this is how history remembers this 19th-century woman. But who was she? How did she go from lowly prostitute to leader of a pirate confederation? These are questions that Larry Feign answers in his retelling of her story.

The first seven years of Shek Yang’s life are unremarkable. She is the daughter of a boat couple, a family that lives and works on the water. Her mother raises her to be a good daughter, one who will eventually marry and raise a family of her own. Her father teaches her the ways of the sea, since he has no sons. But life changes when her mother dies in childbirth. Her father incurs debts that necessitate the selling of Yang into slavery and she becomes a flower boat girl. Her beauty and skills at pleasuring men bring her sufficient sums to buy her freedom. Her shame continues into adulthood, for she knows no other trade and has vowed long ago never to marry or to have children.

In the sixth year of Emperor Ka-hing’s reign, seedy junks with tiger eyes upend Yang’s world. Boat people and villagers flee for the safety of the temple, but those who live on land look down upon Yang, slamming the door before she can enter. Taken by the pirates, she knows exactly what will become of her. She will be sold back into slavery because there is no one to pay her ransom. Death seems a better option, but she refuses to succumb without a fight. Her defiance disrespects Cheng Yat, leader of the pirates. Rather than putting her to death, he takes her as his own and she becomes his possession to do with as he wishes.

Yang hates the sea, but it is now the world in which she must survive. Boredom is a constant companion. As Cheng’s wife, some pirates show small overtures of acceptance. Others see her merely as a usurper. She finally decides she must do something to occupy her days. The powerful and essential, but neglected, guns rouse her curiosity and she convinces the master gunner to teach her all he knows even though these weapons are the domain only of men. During a battle, one of the assailants attacks the master gunner. Yang slays the attacker. The act gains her more acceptance among her fellow pirates, but forever alters her soul. She is now a pirate, a killer, and there is no going back.

As the days pass, she also observes that Cheng is being cheated and that there must be better ways to make money than constantly hunting for prey. His fleet of five junks preys upon the same vessels all the other pirates seek. Grand ideas and dreams of forming a pirate empire begin to emerge, but implementing them will require time and the wisdom to convince Cheng that her way is the right way – a reality that leads to contention. Sometimes, the consequence of a wish granted is the payment of a dear and often unforeseen price.

Opening the cover of this book is like stepping into a vivid painting of a bygone era. Through visual imagery and melodic prose, Feign transports us back to the first decade of 19th-century China. He masterfully depicts the world of Asian piracy, in a way that is both familiar and foreign. Many pirates populate this tale, but each has distinctive qualities that make the character stand out in different ways. By book’s end, we feel as if we know the real Yang. We may not always like her, but we admire and respect her for what she’s able to achieve in spite of her past and the twists that fate dealt her.

Those readers familiar with the real Zheng Yi Sao or Cheng I Sao will not recognize the names Feign uses. Rather than use those names which come from Mandarin, he employs Cantonese versions since that was the language of the people who dwelt on the south coast of China. He also includes a character list, glossary, and map for readers.

The story unfolds from Shek Yang’s perspective, detailing her life from childhood to the day in which she becomes the leader of the pirate confederation. Feign artfully weaves festivals, a typhoon, war, superstitions, Chinese customs, ambushes, fireboats, and the pirates’ struggle with the navy into this tale. Perhaps the strangest custom involves Yang’s pregnancy. The most gut-wrenching scene is the one depicting Cheng’s disappearance. For history buffs, there is the Tay-Son Rebellion in Vietnam and the pirate captivity of John Turner. The Flower Boat Girl provides compelling answers to the mysteries surrounding Yang and Cheng. This haunting, yet eye-opening tale is as “Beautiful as a butterfly, fierce as a tiger.” (Loc 344 of 6794, Chapter 2)

[Candy Houseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?

In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.

It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.

I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...

Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:

1. Reading Exercises the Brain

While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.

2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment

Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.

3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus

We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.

4. Reading Improves Literacy

Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.

5. Reading Improves Sleep

By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.

6. Reading Increases General Knowledge

Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.

7. Reading is Motivational

By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.

https://numberoneboats.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-legen...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-leg...
https://theboatyacht.com/hunter-legen...
https://numberoneboats.com/hunter-leg...

[Prestina Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! And then reread. And Reread again!

I must admit a certain prejudice when men write female characters. Too often, they are Mary Sue's of one flavor or another. In Cheng he gave us no golden hearted whore whose beauty causes fish to down themselves. Neither did he give us a woman too impossibly clever to be real. Nor a woman that is actually a man simply clothed in female gender. Cheng is quite pretty, reasonably intelligent, and has a will of IRON. And it is that quality... force of personality, force of will, sheer bloody minded perseverance that makes her the pirate queen. This is one hundred percent a character driven story and what a character!!!! You watch her grow, change, make mistakes, learn, make mistakes again and ultimately succeed. Despite her poor sewing skills she managed to create a whole cloth, tough if not overly beautiful, from the rags and tatters life throws her in an ancient culture steeped in misogyny.
And let's talk about an ancient culture. Japanese pirates???? Never heard of them. And the author brought it to LIFE. I'm inspired to learn more about this period in japanese maritime history. Absolutely FASCINATING. Warning.... this book is not for the faint at heart. Although never gratuitous or prurient in nature the author does not spare you the.....traumas.... of being a flower boat girl...or a pirate. He doesn't spare you the indignities of being a woman in a society with very little respect for women aside from their child bearing potential and skills in a bedroom or a kitchen. Your heart will bleed. Even if Chengs doesn't. Far from the plucky heroine she's more the practical, pragmatic, hearty flower with long thorns.
Check it out. You're quite unlikely to regret this purchase.

[Laura Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose this book to read for Book Club because I was looking for a true story about a subject our group had never read about before. The Flower Boat Girl fit that bill and then some.

The book captivates you from the beginning and never lets go. Its fast paced, packed with action, refreshingly raw with vivid details. The Pirates are authentic and hardcore, but you come to respect and understand them. There is violence, sexuality, gritty details, obscenities and colorful pirate language which are all handled with sensitivity. Also weaved into the book are historical facts, traditions, words of wisdom and symbolism.

The story is told by Shek Yang and her experiences: death of parent, sold to flower boats, captured by pirates, marrying the pirate captain and becoming the most powerful pirate in the world.
Through her experiences, intelligence and business savvy we see Shek Yang grow as a person, wife, partner and mother.

Larry Feign actually joined our book club via zoom and it was fantastic! He shared with us the amount of research he did, the difficulty getting that information, and how hard it was to authenticate it. We enjoyed talking with him and getting to hear his insight and see his passion behind the book.

I enjoyed reading the Flower Boat girl immensely!! I signed up for the omitted chapter and can't wait for the sequel to come out!! Would highly recommend this book!