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China: The Novel
🎧Audio Length = 34 hours and 50 minutes
An epic novel with over 34 hours of audio, from the “unparalleled master of the historical saga” (Newsweek): Get swept up in the fascinating history of China in this “big, complex, and utterly involving portrait” (The Times) that chronicles the country’s past — from the Opium Wars to the Cultural Revolution and the present — through the imagined lives of everyday people.
The internationally bestselling author of Paris and New York takes on an exhilarating new world with his trademark epic style in China: The Novel Edward Rutherfurd has enthralled millions of readers with his grand, sweeping historical sagas that tell the history of a famous place over multiple generations. Now, in China: The Novel, Rutherfurd takes readers into the rich and fascinating milieu of the Middle Kingdom.
The story begins in 1839, at the dawn of the First Opium War, and follows Chinese history through Mao's Cultural Revolution and up to the present day. Rutherfurd chronicles the rising and falling fortunes of members of Chinese, British, and American families, as they negotiate the tides of history. Along the way, in his signature style, Rutherfurd provides a deeply researched portrait of Chinese history and society, its ancient traditions and great upheavals, and China's emergence as a rising global power. As always, we are treated to romance and adventure, heroines and scoundrels, grinding struggle and incredible fortunes.
China: The Novel brings to life the rich terrain of this vast and constantly evolving country. From Shanghai to Nanking to the Great Wall, Rutherfurd chronicles the turbulent rise and fall of empires as the colonial West meets the opulent and complex East in a dramatic struggle between cultures and people.
Extraordinarily researched and majestically told, Edward Rutherfurd paints a thrilling portrait of one of the most singular and remarkable countries in the world.
An epic novel with over 34 hours of audio, from the “unparalleled master of the historical saga” (Newsweek): Get swept up in the fascinating history of China in this “big, complex, and utterly involving portrait” (The Times) that chronicles the country’s past — from the Opium Wars to the Cultural Revolution and the present — through the imagined lives of everyday people.
The internationally bestselling author of Paris and New York takes on an exhilarating new world with his trademark epic style in China: The Novel Edward Rutherfurd has enthralled millions of readers with his grand, sweeping historical sagas that tell the history of a famous place over multiple generations. Now, in China: The Novel, Rutherfurd takes readers into the rich and fascinating milieu of the Middle Kingdom.
The story begins in 1839, at the dawn of the First Opium War, and follows Chinese history through Mao's Cultural Revolution and up to the present day. Rutherfurd chronicles the rising and falling fortunes of members of Chinese, British, and American families, as they negotiate the tides of history. Along the way, in his signature style, Rutherfurd provides a deeply researched portrait of Chinese history and society, its ancient traditions and great upheavals, and China's emergence as a rising global power. As always, we are treated to romance and adventure, heroines and scoundrels, grinding struggle and incredible fortunes.
China: The Novel brings to life the rich terrain of this vast and constantly evolving country. From Shanghai to Nanking to the Great Wall, Rutherfurd chronicles the turbulent rise and fall of empires as the colonial West meets the opulent and complex East in a dramatic struggle between cultures and people.
Extraordinarily researched and majestically told, Edward Rutherfurd paints a thrilling portrait of one of the most singular and remarkable countries in the world.
773 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 13, 2021
1956 people are currently reading
12721 people want to read
About the author
Edward Rutherfurd
31 books5,620 followersFrancis Edward Wintle, best known under his pen name Edward Rutherfurd, was born in the cathedral city of Salisbury. Educated locally, and at the universities of Cambridge, and Stanford, California, he worked in political research, bookselling and publishing. After numerous attempts to write books and plays, he finally abandoned his career in the book trade in 1983, and returned to his childhood home to write SARUM, a historical novel with a ten-thousand year story, set in the area around the ancient monument of Stonehenge, and Salisbury. Four years later, when the book was published, it became an instant international bestseller, remaining 23 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. Since then he has written five more bestsellers: RUSSKA, a novel of Russia; LONDON; THE FOREST, set in England's New Forest which lies close by Sarum, and two novels which cover the story of Ireland from the time just before Saint Patrick to the twentieth century. His books have been translated into twenty languages.
Edward has lived in London, New York, New Hampshire and Ireland. He currently divides his time between New England and Europe. He has two children.
Edward Rutherfurd is a Life Member of the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral, the Salisbury Civic Society, and the Friends of Chawton House, which is located in Jane Austen's village and dedicated to the study of women writers. He is also a Patron of the National Theatre of Ireland (the Abbey Theatre) in Dublin.
In 2005, the City of Salisbury commemorated his services to the city by naming one of the streets leading off its medieval market place 'Rutherfurd Walk'.
Edward has lived in London, New York, New Hampshire and Ireland. He currently divides his time between New England and Europe. He has two children.
Edward Rutherfurd is a Life Member of the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral, the Salisbury Civic Society, and the Friends of Chawton House, which is located in Jane Austen's village and dedicated to the study of women writers. He is also a Patron of the National Theatre of Ireland (the Abbey Theatre) in Dublin.
In 2005, the City of Salisbury commemorated his services to the city by naming one of the streets leading off its medieval market place 'Rutherfurd Walk'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 845 reviews
July 26, 2021
If you don't know anything about Chinese history (as most of these reviewers seem to be), then this may have been interesting to read. But I must ask you to take the perspective of this book with a huge grain of salt.
As a Chinese person with knowledge of Chinese history, I thought it was a bit ridiculous in terms of how these historical events were portrayed. Not only is this book highly Eurocentric and whitewashed, it is extremely sanitized and actually makes you feel sorry for the British invaders who forced and practically raped Chinese people into an epidemic of drug addictions that directly displaced and tore apart hundreds of thousands of families! Just because the Emperor of China refused to let the British exploit his country. European missionaries in China had murdered hundreds of babies (sound familiar?? I live in Canada) and British soldiers killed, looted, and then burned down palaces and temples with people still trapped inside (The Old Summer Palace, a real historical event). They were the actual pirates.
And yet the most violent thing described in the book... is foot binding. LOL. Foot binding has a long, complicated, and painful history for Chinese women. It began as a thing of nobility that also oppressed women, but when Chinese Han people were oppressed by the Qing dynasty, it became a thing Han women did as a way to retain their culture... but it is not for outsiders to comment on, and it is FAR from being the most violent and cruel thing that happened during this time.
Rutherfurd is a good novelist; I'm not about to trash his professional skills. It's a fun, fictional epic. But many of these reviewers seem to think this book is a great book on recent Chinese history, and I'm saying....... it's really not. Maybe it's good from a western, Eurocentric point of view. But to the Chinese people, that's basically the villain's point of view. Again, the sanitization and characterization of the British truly irked me. If you're really interested in Chinese history, read it from Chinese scholars and novelists if you can. None of the books written about Chinese history by Western authors are ever accurate (at least, not in my experience).
As a Chinese person with knowledge of Chinese history, I thought it was a bit ridiculous in terms of how these historical events were portrayed. Not only is this book highly Eurocentric and whitewashed, it is extremely sanitized and actually makes you feel sorry for the British invaders who forced and practically raped Chinese people into an epidemic of drug addictions that directly displaced and tore apart hundreds of thousands of families! Just because the Emperor of China refused to let the British exploit his country. European missionaries in China had murdered hundreds of babies (sound familiar?? I live in Canada) and British soldiers killed, looted, and then burned down palaces and temples with people still trapped inside (The Old Summer Palace, a real historical event). They were the actual pirates.
And yet the most violent thing described in the book... is foot binding. LOL. Foot binding has a long, complicated, and painful history for Chinese women. It began as a thing of nobility that also oppressed women, but when Chinese Han people were oppressed by the Qing dynasty, it became a thing Han women did as a way to retain their culture... but it is not for outsiders to comment on, and it is FAR from being the most violent and cruel thing that happened during this time.
Rutherfurd is a good novelist; I'm not about to trash his professional skills. It's a fun, fictional epic. But many of these reviewers seem to think this book is a great book on recent Chinese history, and I'm saying....... it's really not. Maybe it's good from a western, Eurocentric point of view. But to the Chinese people, that's basically the villain's point of view. Again, the sanitization and characterization of the British truly irked me. If you're really interested in Chinese history, read it from Chinese scholars and novelists if you can. None of the books written about Chinese history by Western authors are ever accurate (at least, not in my experience).
June 19, 2021
What an emotive and informative tale of China and its people in 18th Century. Constant attacks by British, the opium trade effect, internal strife in royal court are described in detail. And the characters through which all this was told were also well coined. For someone who don't know much about China's history, this was an enlightening and a satisfying journey.
January 1, 2021
I anxiously awaited this new novel by one of the best current historical fiction authors, and while it did not disappoint me, it did not quite hit the 5***** book that I had hoped.
When dealing with China, we are talking about a country that has such a long history that Rutherfurd needed to find a memorable period upon which to focus. Here we begin with the run-up to the two Opium Wars and get as far as the Boxer Rebellion, while in between there is the Taiping Rebellion. It is an eventful period and Rutherfurd does a really good job of detailing this historical era. The history is spot on, and I learned so much about these conflicts which I had heard of but never truly understood.
As with all of his books, China features multiple characters and follows them through these turbulent times. We have opium traders, British diplomats, Chinese pirates, dowagers, emperors and eunuchs! Quite a diverse group to follow and on the whole these characters do a wonderful job in both interacting together, as well as being part of these historic times.
Well written and superbly researched, this book does check off many of the boxes that I had expected, yet in many ways it falls flat. Why would that be? Well, while I do not like to have books wrapped up in a nice neat package, I do like to finish characters storylines, and too many of these characters are just left hanging. We are only dealing with a 60 year timeline and there really is no reason not to finish off these stories. A few do get completed but there are many that are left dangling, and then halfway through the book he introduces a new major character whose story as a eunuch in the Emperors Court dominated the last half of the book and many of the original characters merely seem to disappear.
Call me picky, but I just felt a little bit disappointed after such a long wait since his book Paris. Very good, not great, and certainly not like Michener who reigns supreme in my ranking of historical fiction authors.
When dealing with China, we are talking about a country that has such a long history that Rutherfurd needed to find a memorable period upon which to focus. Here we begin with the run-up to the two Opium Wars and get as far as the Boxer Rebellion, while in between there is the Taiping Rebellion. It is an eventful period and Rutherfurd does a really good job of detailing this historical era. The history is spot on, and I learned so much about these conflicts which I had heard of but never truly understood.
As with all of his books, China features multiple characters and follows them through these turbulent times. We have opium traders, British diplomats, Chinese pirates, dowagers, emperors and eunuchs! Quite a diverse group to follow and on the whole these characters do a wonderful job in both interacting together, as well as being part of these historic times.
Well written and superbly researched, this book does check off many of the boxes that I had expected, yet in many ways it falls flat. Why would that be? Well, while I do not like to have books wrapped up in a nice neat package, I do like to finish characters storylines, and too many of these characters are just left hanging. We are only dealing with a 60 year timeline and there really is no reason not to finish off these stories. A few do get completed but there are many that are left dangling, and then halfway through the book he introduces a new major character whose story as a eunuch in the Emperors Court dominated the last half of the book and many of the original characters merely seem to disappear.
Call me picky, but I just felt a little bit disappointed after such a long wait since his book Paris. Very good, not great, and certainly not like Michener who reigns supreme in my ranking of historical fiction authors.
March 7, 2022
Beijing, 1839. Jiang Shi-Rong is a newly appointed secretary by the well-known official Lin, who has been given a mission of great importance by the emperor. All measures are to be taken to eradicate illegal opium, and Jiang is to help Lin achieve that.
Calcutta, India. An English merchant, John Trader, is eager to get his foot into the trade with China. Many get rich quickly by supplying China with opium in exchange for tea. When John arrives in Canton region, where foreign merchants are allowed to trade, he arrives right at the time, when Chinese officials are cracking down on illegal trade.
The first Opium War sets the events for this story, where in the Canton region we meet the first array of characters, including a young woman struggling with the rigid traditions of China. Mei-Ling lives with her in-laws where strict rules are imposed by her mother-in-law. Mei-Ling knows she needs to give birth to a boy, otherwise she may never see her baby-girl, and she knows the rumors what happens to baby-girls.
The story further explores the conflict between Manchu dynasty and Taiping rebels, who try to overthrow the emperor. Thus, introducing another vibrant character, who from playing the roles of the warrior prince at school, Guanji rises to become a real Manchu warrior. The conflict, may further affect the livelihood of another fascinating character known as Lacquer Nail. He comes from a small village outside Beijing, where as a boy learns how to read and write, which is not a common thing to achieve. Then, through watching craftsmen doing their work, he learns the details of lacquering works. And along the way, we are exposed to the art of lacquer-making going back to the days of the Han dynasty. And someone who comes from a small place and makes his way to the imperial palace by becoming a eunuch, in the process revealing juicy details of becoming one, the different roles they perform, from lowliest to the most powerful.
As with all his previous historical novels, Edward Rutherfurd weaves sagas with wide range of characters and events. He is a great architect of complex characters, richly layered with challenging historical events. The vast and rich lands of China reflect the intriguing characters, rich history and culture seeped with traditions going back to ancient times. Sprawling with intrigue and deception, the master storyteller extenuates the minds behind the causes of conflicts. Sprinkled with love, sharp prose lighted with humor, makes the story a remarkably engrossing and entertaining read.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Calcutta, India. An English merchant, John Trader, is eager to get his foot into the trade with China. Many get rich quickly by supplying China with opium in exchange for tea. When John arrives in Canton region, where foreign merchants are allowed to trade, he arrives right at the time, when Chinese officials are cracking down on illegal trade.
The first Opium War sets the events for this story, where in the Canton region we meet the first array of characters, including a young woman struggling with the rigid traditions of China. Mei-Ling lives with her in-laws where strict rules are imposed by her mother-in-law. Mei-Ling knows she needs to give birth to a boy, otherwise she may never see her baby-girl, and she knows the rumors what happens to baby-girls.
The story further explores the conflict between Manchu dynasty and Taiping rebels, who try to overthrow the emperor. Thus, introducing another vibrant character, who from playing the roles of the warrior prince at school, Guanji rises to become a real Manchu warrior. The conflict, may further affect the livelihood of another fascinating character known as Lacquer Nail. He comes from a small village outside Beijing, where as a boy learns how to read and write, which is not a common thing to achieve. Then, through watching craftsmen doing their work, he learns the details of lacquering works. And along the way, we are exposed to the art of lacquer-making going back to the days of the Han dynasty. And someone who comes from a small place and makes his way to the imperial palace by becoming a eunuch, in the process revealing juicy details of becoming one, the different roles they perform, from lowliest to the most powerful.
As with all his previous historical novels, Edward Rutherfurd weaves sagas with wide range of characters and events. He is a great architect of complex characters, richly layered with challenging historical events. The vast and rich lands of China reflect the intriguing characters, rich history and culture seeped with traditions going back to ancient times. Sprawling with intrigue and deception, the master storyteller extenuates the minds behind the causes of conflicts. Sprinkled with love, sharp prose lighted with humor, makes the story a remarkably engrossing and entertaining read.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
April 12, 2022
China: The Novel is the latest historical fiction novel by Edward Rutherfurd and what a magnificent book it is. We were able to take a trip of a lifetime a few years ago spending a month in China and Tibet and including Hong Kong and Guilin. Those unforgettable experiences gave me a richer context to draw upon as I read this grand and sweeping historical saga beginning in 1839 at the dawn of the first Opium War and through the Taiping revolt, the burning of the Summer Palace, the Boxer Rebellion and the rule of Empress Cixi, culminating in the revolution of 1911 with the beginnings of modern China. In this epic saga, we experience the rising and falling of fortunes of the many characters that give this book its heart, namely, the Chinese, British and American families that we come to know over this volatile period of time in China's history. This deeply researched narrative is buttressed by thousands of years of Chinese history.
But after less than a century, a native Han dynasty, the shining Ming, had managed to kick the Mongols out and strengthen the Great Wall to deter other invaders. They'd kept Kubla Khan's capital, however. And for three centuries the Ming had ruled China. It had been a golden age. Literatue and the arts had thrived."
"The huge outer wall before him ran four miles across, from east to west, with a mighty gatehouse in the center. Inside the wall, on the right, raised above the surrounding world on a great mound, he could see the drumlike pagoda at the Temple of Heaven, before which the emperor performed the ancient ceremonies to ask the gods for good harvests, its three tiers of blue-tiled roofs turning to indigo nder the reddening embers of the clouds."
And I must say that the highlight of this awesome and memorable trip was our time in Tibet. As we were flying over the Tibetan peaks, including Mount Everest, we were enthralled with our incomparable journey. Tibet was a pristene oasis in the vast country of China and fighting for their independence. When we landed in Lhasa, it was magical. Literally Lhasa translates to 'place of gods.' And that it was. We trekked up all of the 432 steps to the Potala Palace that was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959. It was an indescribable experience.
"It was more than a thousand miles to the great Tibetan Plateau, the vast rooftop of the world, fringed by the Himalayas, over which the sun seemed to be hovering at this moment. One was nearer to the eternal blue Heaven up there, he supposed, than anywhere on Earth. From those celestial heights came the greatest rivers of Asia: the Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Brahnaputtra, and Mekong, all flowing to the south; and flowing eastward, the two mighty rivers of China--the Yangtze, making its stupendous loop down through the valleys and rice fields of southern China, and the Yellow River, moving like a huge serpent across the grain-planted plains of the center and north."
With such a whirlwind trip packed into four short weeks, the cities that are vivid in our memories include Beijing and Shanghai, but one of the most beautiful places was Guilin, a truly enchanting experience.
"Mei-Ling liked Guilin. . . . The place was quite remarkable. Millenia of rains and flowing waters had sculpted the soft karst stone of the region into a landscape of miniature mountains, steep as anthills, hundreds of feet high and covered with green trees, except for the grey cliffs on their sides, here and there, where even mountain trees couldn't find their footing. A pleasant river, called the Li, flowed beside the town."
"On sunny days the hills gathered around the intimate plateaus of pastures and rice fields, like giant green dolmans protecting a sanctuary. But when the mists filled the river valleys, then the onlooker seemed to be witnessing an army of hooded gods moving slowly through a world of clouds."
But after less than a century, a native Han dynasty, the shining Ming, had managed to kick the Mongols out and strengthen the Great Wall to deter other invaders. They'd kept Kubla Khan's capital, however. And for three centuries the Ming had ruled China. It had been a golden age. Literatue and the arts had thrived."
"The huge outer wall before him ran four miles across, from east to west, with a mighty gatehouse in the center. Inside the wall, on the right, raised above the surrounding world on a great mound, he could see the drumlike pagoda at the Temple of Heaven, before which the emperor performed the ancient ceremonies to ask the gods for good harvests, its three tiers of blue-tiled roofs turning to indigo nder the reddening embers of the clouds."
And I must say that the highlight of this awesome and memorable trip was our time in Tibet. As we were flying over the Tibetan peaks, including Mount Everest, we were enthralled with our incomparable journey. Tibet was a pristene oasis in the vast country of China and fighting for their independence. When we landed in Lhasa, it was magical. Literally Lhasa translates to 'place of gods.' And that it was. We trekked up all of the 432 steps to the Potala Palace that was the winter palace of the Dalai Lamas from 1649 to 1959. It was an indescribable experience.
"It was more than a thousand miles to the great Tibetan Plateau, the vast rooftop of the world, fringed by the Himalayas, over which the sun seemed to be hovering at this moment. One was nearer to the eternal blue Heaven up there, he supposed, than anywhere on Earth. From those celestial heights came the greatest rivers of Asia: the Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Brahnaputtra, and Mekong, all flowing to the south; and flowing eastward, the two mighty rivers of China--the Yangtze, making its stupendous loop down through the valleys and rice fields of southern China, and the Yellow River, moving like a huge serpent across the grain-planted plains of the center and north."
With such a whirlwind trip packed into four short weeks, the cities that are vivid in our memories include Beijing and Shanghai, but one of the most beautiful places was Guilin, a truly enchanting experience.
"Mei-Ling liked Guilin. . . . The place was quite remarkable. Millenia of rains and flowing waters had sculpted the soft karst stone of the region into a landscape of miniature mountains, steep as anthills, hundreds of feet high and covered with green trees, except for the grey cliffs on their sides, here and there, where even mountain trees couldn't find their footing. A pleasant river, called the Li, flowed beside the town."
"On sunny days the hills gathered around the intimate plateaus of pastures and rice fields, like giant green dolmans protecting a sanctuary. But when the mists filled the river valleys, then the onlooker seemed to be witnessing an army of hooded gods moving slowly through a world of clouds."
May 23, 2021
This author does not disappoint! Mr. Rutherford thank you so much for the enjoyment!!!!
July 17, 2021
long, long, long ... and frequently boring ... occasional scenes are quite good but there are not enough of these ... nothing gripping to carry me through 700+ pages
July 14, 2021
At 764 pages, woo!, China is a big book. It is the first book I’ve read by Edward Rutherfurd, known for writing epic tomes about significant places and times in history, across generations.
Set during the Opium Wars, and with his panning of characters on all sides of the issue, I learned so much about the perspectives of those involved. It was also a deep dive into culture in China, Great Britain, and the world at this significant time. There is a strong sense of adventure and even a touch of romance and drama to this story. I’ll never forget Mei-Lhing, Trader, and a eunuch named Lacquer Nail.
Overall, Rutherfurd is adept at presenting well-researched history from all sides in an approachable, highly readable way. I can’t imagine how much time it took to plan this saga and tie these story threads together.
I read China with my dear friend, Beth, and I’m so grateful we read this together so we could discuss how much we’d learned. It sparked our interest to read additional books set in China, both fiction and nonfiction.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Set during the Opium Wars, and with his panning of characters on all sides of the issue, I learned so much about the perspectives of those involved. It was also a deep dive into culture in China, Great Britain, and the world at this significant time. There is a strong sense of adventure and even a touch of romance and drama to this story. I’ll never forget Mei-Lhing, Trader, and a eunuch named Lacquer Nail.
Overall, Rutherfurd is adept at presenting well-researched history from all sides in an approachable, highly readable way. I can’t imagine how much time it took to plan this saga and tie these story threads together.
I read China with my dear friend, Beth, and I’m so grateful we read this together so we could discuss how much we’d learned. It sparked our interest to read additional books set in China, both fiction and nonfiction.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
July 16, 2021
Really a 3.5 star. A change of style which focussed mainly on one generation and the Opium Wars. Like many I was expecting the story of China over a thousand years or so and found the story dragging at times and a couple of characters that were not that interesting.
May 24, 2021
For years I read the panoramic novels of James A. Michener. His multi-generational plots, historical knowledge, all-encompassing detail, and character development were very satisfying, and I always looked forward to his latest release. When he passed a void resulted in my reading agenda until I discovered Edward Rutherfurd. In 1987 I read Rutherfurd’s first novel, SARUM which immediately sparked my interest because of his approach to writing, history, lineage of different generations, and an assortment of interesting and fascinating characters. I dare say he was “Micheneresque!” Other novels soon followed; RUSSKA, LONDON, THE FOREST, THE PRINCES OF IRELAND, THE REBELS OF IRELAND, NEW YORK, and PARIS – all very satisfying and engrossing living up to the bar he set with his first novel.
I was looking forward to his next effort which was published last week, CHINA: THE NOVEL. The novel does not present the scope and panorama of his earlier works, and there are a few questions about organization, but it still was a satisfying read. The novel begins with events leading to the 1839 Opium War between England and the “Middle Kingdom” and carries the reader through Chinese history beginning with the Opium Wars, the Taiping Rebellion, the Boxer Rebellion, and finally the 1911 Revolution. Through its characters Rutherfurd tries to present each event and different attempts at reform that sought to throw off the western imperialist yoke. Over time these occurrences would lay the groundwork for the rise of Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party which emerged after World War I, consolidated its support among the peasants in the 1930s and during World War II, and finally defeated the Guomintang (Nationalist Party) in 1949 and began the Maoist rule over China which dominated the former “Celestial Kingdom” until the early 1980s.
The book seems to be organized in two parts, the first centers around the opium trade and a series of characters from British merchants, Chinese traders, government officials, and a number of ancillary families. The second part focuses on the life of one individual in particular, Lacquer Nail whose character is somewhat contrived and how the Chinese government tried to defeat the foreign imperialists, but to no avail. Rutherdurd does a credible job integrating true historical figures with fictional characters. At the outset, the key historical figure that is portrayed accurately is Lin Zexu, who was a Chinese head of states (Viceroy), Governor General, scholar-official, and High Commissioner who was charged by the emperor to rid the country of the opium trade that was bankrupting the kingdom because of the outflow of silver to pay for the opium. The next important character is fictional, Jiang Shi-Rong who rose to become Commissioner Lin’s personal secretary.
From the outset of the novel, it is clear that Rutherfurd has done his homework as he exhibits a firm grasp of Chinese history and culture. His explanation of the reasons for and the impact of foot binding on women is engrossing as is his description of the Forbidden City, the metropolitan exams to become a scholar-official, the language employed by Chinese officials, the differences between Han and Manchu Chinese, the dichotomy between northern and southern China, as is the presentation of historical figures like James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, the weakness of the Xian Feng Emperor, Prince Gong, regent from 1861-1865, the Empress Cixi, Lin Zexu, Edmund Backhouse, a British oriental scholar and linguist among others.
Fictional characters abound with the key figures including John Trader, a British merchant who engages in the Opium trade as a means of impressing Agnes Lomond in Calcutta; Cecil Whiteparish, Trader’s cousin and missionary; Mei-Ling a Chinese woman who provides a window into the misogyny of Chinese culture; Nio, Mei-Ling’s “brother” who is a pirate and eventually joins the Taiping movement to overthrow the Emperor; Guanji, a Manchu officer; the Odstock brothers who lived off the opium trade; and Mr. Liu who is bent on destroying Lacquer Nail.
Rutherfurd navigates the different factions within the Chinese government and the disagreements and friction among the characters very nicely. A case in point is the Eunuch system and what one went through to become one and how they achieved wealth and power in the Forbidden City in dealing with the Emperor. Rutherfurd is able to develop a number of stories within the larger story of the novel very carefully. Chief among them revolves around the Taiping Rebellion, an uprising commanded by Hong Xiuquan, the self-proclaimed brother of Jesus Christ. Its goals were religious, nationalist, and political in nature; Hong sought the conversion of the Chinese people to the Taiping's syncretic version of Christianity, to overthrow the ruling Qing Dynasty, and a state transformation. At times it appeared that the British might ally with the Taiping’s in order to secure the opium trade and other commodities like tea.
The overall theme of the novel is the history of China between 1839 and 1911 that was dominated by British imperialism, later joined by other European powers and the United States. As Rutherfurd develops the novel he integrates other important historical information germane to his topic, i.e., the recruitment of Chinese labor to work on the railroads in the United States, the politics of the British parliament, events in India, among others. If one is conversant in Chinese history during this period, you will be able to relate to what is evolving. If not Rutherfurd clearly presents the rhythms of the Chinese approach to life and how it conflicted with western expectations and why conflict was inevitable.
Cultural superiority is a dominant theme as the Chinese saw the west as barbarians who were inferior to the Confucian way of life, and western lack of respect for Chinese culture seeing the Chinese people as animals in many cases. The causes and results of the two Opium Wars are reviewed and their effect on Chinese society and politics stand out. Rutherfurd spends a great deal of time on the Taiping Rebellion which many historians see as laying the groundwork for Maoist thought with their agrarian reform ideas, however over 40 million Chinese would die during the conflict. The author also takes a deep dive through his characters as the Chinese try to reform themselves after the Taiping Rebellion with the rise of the Empress Cixi but to no avail. The Boxer Rebellion becomes front and center at the turn of the 2oth century as does the rise of Sun Yat-Sen and his ideas that resulted in the 1911 Revolution that followed the death of the Empress Cixi.
The earlier sections of the novel are much more engaging because of its focus on the Chinese family apart from the opium trade. The later sections of the novel are exhausting with its focus on court life and attempts to deal with the west. From the title of the book, one would hope its focus would be more on the Chinese people themselves without providing such a prominent occidental slant.
The book at times can be unwieldly, but slowly it will captivate you and make you want to complete its 763 pages. Rutherfurd will lay out the difference between eastern and western culture and one might question the goals and complexities of each. Though I do not think the book flows as evenly as previous Rutherfurd novels, the book provides an education in of itself through its historical and myriad fictional characters and is worth the read.
*****************************************************************************
If you have found the events and personalities presented in the book interesting, I would recommend the following: THE BOXER REBELLION by Diana Preston; AUTUMN IN THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM by Stephen R. Platt; IMPERIAL TWILIGHT: THE OPIUM WAR AND THE END OF CHINA’S LAST GOLDEN AGE by Stephen R. Platt; EMPRESS DOWAGER CIXI by Jung Chang; GOD’S CHINESE SON by Jonathan Spence or any other books on Chinese history written by Spence.
I was looking forward to his next effort which was published last week, CHINA: THE NOVEL. The novel does not present the scope and panorama of his earlier works, and there are a few questions about organization, but it still was a satisfying read. The novel begins with events leading to the 1839 Opium War between England and the “Middle Kingdom” and carries the reader through Chinese history beginning with the Opium Wars, the Taiping Rebellion, the Boxer Rebellion, and finally the 1911 Revolution. Through its characters Rutherfurd tries to present each event and different attempts at reform that sought to throw off the western imperialist yoke. Over time these occurrences would lay the groundwork for the rise of Mao Zedong and the Chinese Communist Party which emerged after World War I, consolidated its support among the peasants in the 1930s and during World War II, and finally defeated the Guomintang (Nationalist Party) in 1949 and began the Maoist rule over China which dominated the former “Celestial Kingdom” until the early 1980s.
The book seems to be organized in two parts, the first centers around the opium trade and a series of characters from British merchants, Chinese traders, government officials, and a number of ancillary families. The second part focuses on the life of one individual in particular, Lacquer Nail whose character is somewhat contrived and how the Chinese government tried to defeat the foreign imperialists, but to no avail. Rutherdurd does a credible job integrating true historical figures with fictional characters. At the outset, the key historical figure that is portrayed accurately is Lin Zexu, who was a Chinese head of states (Viceroy), Governor General, scholar-official, and High Commissioner who was charged by the emperor to rid the country of the opium trade that was bankrupting the kingdom because of the outflow of silver to pay for the opium. The next important character is fictional, Jiang Shi-Rong who rose to become Commissioner Lin’s personal secretary.
From the outset of the novel, it is clear that Rutherfurd has done his homework as he exhibits a firm grasp of Chinese history and culture. His explanation of the reasons for and the impact of foot binding on women is engrossing as is his description of the Forbidden City, the metropolitan exams to become a scholar-official, the language employed by Chinese officials, the differences between Han and Manchu Chinese, the dichotomy between northern and southern China, as is the presentation of historical figures like James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin, the weakness of the Xian Feng Emperor, Prince Gong, regent from 1861-1865, the Empress Cixi, Lin Zexu, Edmund Backhouse, a British oriental scholar and linguist among others.
Fictional characters abound with the key figures including John Trader, a British merchant who engages in the Opium trade as a means of impressing Agnes Lomond in Calcutta; Cecil Whiteparish, Trader’s cousin and missionary; Mei-Ling a Chinese woman who provides a window into the misogyny of Chinese culture; Nio, Mei-Ling’s “brother” who is a pirate and eventually joins the Taiping movement to overthrow the Emperor; Guanji, a Manchu officer; the Odstock brothers who lived off the opium trade; and Mr. Liu who is bent on destroying Lacquer Nail.
Rutherfurd navigates the different factions within the Chinese government and the disagreements and friction among the characters very nicely. A case in point is the Eunuch system and what one went through to become one and how they achieved wealth and power in the Forbidden City in dealing with the Emperor. Rutherfurd is able to develop a number of stories within the larger story of the novel very carefully. Chief among them revolves around the Taiping Rebellion, an uprising commanded by Hong Xiuquan, the self-proclaimed brother of Jesus Christ. Its goals were religious, nationalist, and political in nature; Hong sought the conversion of the Chinese people to the Taiping's syncretic version of Christianity, to overthrow the ruling Qing Dynasty, and a state transformation. At times it appeared that the British might ally with the Taiping’s in order to secure the opium trade and other commodities like tea.
The overall theme of the novel is the history of China between 1839 and 1911 that was dominated by British imperialism, later joined by other European powers and the United States. As Rutherfurd develops the novel he integrates other important historical information germane to his topic, i.e., the recruitment of Chinese labor to work on the railroads in the United States, the politics of the British parliament, events in India, among others. If one is conversant in Chinese history during this period, you will be able to relate to what is evolving. If not Rutherfurd clearly presents the rhythms of the Chinese approach to life and how it conflicted with western expectations and why conflict was inevitable.
Cultural superiority is a dominant theme as the Chinese saw the west as barbarians who were inferior to the Confucian way of life, and western lack of respect for Chinese culture seeing the Chinese people as animals in many cases. The causes and results of the two Opium Wars are reviewed and their effect on Chinese society and politics stand out. Rutherfurd spends a great deal of time on the Taiping Rebellion which many historians see as laying the groundwork for Maoist thought with their agrarian reform ideas, however over 40 million Chinese would die during the conflict. The author also takes a deep dive through his characters as the Chinese try to reform themselves after the Taiping Rebellion with the rise of the Empress Cixi but to no avail. The Boxer Rebellion becomes front and center at the turn of the 2oth century as does the rise of Sun Yat-Sen and his ideas that resulted in the 1911 Revolution that followed the death of the Empress Cixi.
The earlier sections of the novel are much more engaging because of its focus on the Chinese family apart from the opium trade. The later sections of the novel are exhausting with its focus on court life and attempts to deal with the west. From the title of the book, one would hope its focus would be more on the Chinese people themselves without providing such a prominent occidental slant.
The book at times can be unwieldly, but slowly it will captivate you and make you want to complete its 763 pages. Rutherfurd will lay out the difference between eastern and western culture and one might question the goals and complexities of each. Though I do not think the book flows as evenly as previous Rutherfurd novels, the book provides an education in of itself through its historical and myriad fictional characters and is worth the read.
*****************************************************************************
If you have found the events and personalities presented in the book interesting, I would recommend the following: THE BOXER REBELLION by Diana Preston; AUTUMN IN THE HEAVENLY KINGDOM by Stephen R. Platt; IMPERIAL TWILIGHT: THE OPIUM WAR AND THE END OF CHINA’S LAST GOLDEN AGE by Stephen R. Platt; EMPRESS DOWAGER CIXI by Jung Chang; GOD’S CHINESE SON by Jonathan Spence or any other books on Chinese history written by Spence.
October 17, 2022
China is my fourth Rutherfurd novel and possibly my favorite. Unlike the author's prior works, which span generations and centuries, China focuses on a single set of character and covers a mere 60 years. Despite this diminution in scope, the reader gains a basic understanding of Chinese culture, an overview of some major historical events--including the Opium Wars and Boxer Rebellion--and a highly enjoyable story. One also avoids Rutherfurd's most common pitfall--contrived characters who act far too much like their ancestors. This historical novel should satisfy anyone interested in late 1800s China.
May 12, 2021
Having enthralled millions of readers with his grand, sweeping historical sagas that tell the history of a famous place over multiple generations, Rutherfurd has excelled once again. Now, in China: The Novel, he takes readers into the rich and fascinating milieu of the Middle Kingdom. This seventy-year family saga starts in the nineteenth century, during the reign of Britain’s Queen Victoria. Through the human stories of British, American and Chinese families, the novel tells the sweeping and dramatic tale of how the West met the exotic Empire of China and humiliated her. The history it relates led directly to the tragic events of the twentieth century and the attitude of China towards the rest of the world today. Nineteenth-Century China was a proud and ancient empire, ruled by the Manchu and forbidden to foreigners. The West, and Britain in particular, had an unquenchable appetite for Chinese tea, but lacked the silver to buy it.
So western merchant adventurers resorted to smuggling in opium in exchange. The Chinese Emperor, determined to prevent his people from sinking into addiction, sent the incorruptible Viceroy Lin to Canton, the main hub of the opium trade, to stop it. The British sent gunboats, and the Opium Wars began - heralding a period of bloody military defeats, reparations, and one-sided treaties which became known in China as the Century of Humiliation. From Hong Kong to Beijing to the Great Wall, from the exotic wonders of the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, to squalid village huts, the dramatic struggle rages across the Celestial Kingdom. This is the story of the Chinese people, high and low, and the Westerners who came to exploit the riches of their ancient land and culture. We meet a young village wife struggling with the rigid traditions of her people, Manchu empresses and warriors, powerful eunuchs.
There are fanatical Taiping and Boxer Rebels, savvy Chinese pirates, artists, concubines, scoundrels and heroes, well-intentioned missionaries and the rapacious merchants, diplomats and soldiers of the West. It tells the tale of this mighty clash of world views, of mutual misunderstanding, of fortunes gained, battles fought and love lost, as humanly and honestly as it could be portrayed, as seen from both sides of the divide. I found myself fascinated, made wiser and often moved, and it's immediately clear that Rutherfurd has carried out extensive research in order to provide the intricate detail filling these pages. An intriguing, captivating and eminently readable historical epic, China flows like a thriller and shows us the country in days long befallen to the passage of time and is accurate, exciting and richly immersive. Highly recommended.
So western merchant adventurers resorted to smuggling in opium in exchange. The Chinese Emperor, determined to prevent his people from sinking into addiction, sent the incorruptible Viceroy Lin to Canton, the main hub of the opium trade, to stop it. The British sent gunboats, and the Opium Wars began - heralding a period of bloody military defeats, reparations, and one-sided treaties which became known in China as the Century of Humiliation. From Hong Kong to Beijing to the Great Wall, from the exotic wonders of the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, to squalid village huts, the dramatic struggle rages across the Celestial Kingdom. This is the story of the Chinese people, high and low, and the Westerners who came to exploit the riches of their ancient land and culture. We meet a young village wife struggling with the rigid traditions of her people, Manchu empresses and warriors, powerful eunuchs.
There are fanatical Taiping and Boxer Rebels, savvy Chinese pirates, artists, concubines, scoundrels and heroes, well-intentioned missionaries and the rapacious merchants, diplomats and soldiers of the West. It tells the tale of this mighty clash of world views, of mutual misunderstanding, of fortunes gained, battles fought and love lost, as humanly and honestly as it could be portrayed, as seen from both sides of the divide. I found myself fascinated, made wiser and often moved, and it's immediately clear that Rutherfurd has carried out extensive research in order to provide the intricate detail filling these pages. An intriguing, captivating and eminently readable historical epic, China flows like a thriller and shows us the country in days long befallen to the passage of time and is accurate, exciting and richly immersive. Highly recommended.
March 27, 2023
Any reader looking for an epic, multi-generational story about a city or region need search no further than Edward Rutherfurd. His latest novel takes on one of the most intense settings to date, tackling China and all its history. Rutherfurd confines his narrative time beginning in the mid-19th century, but loses none of the intensity or historical impact. The Great Dynasty is better understood in Rutherfurd’s writing and keeps the reader hooked throughout. Stunning in its delivery and full of powerful history, Edward Rutherfurd proves his mettle with this epic novel.
China’s power could not be denied in 1839, as the First Opium War pushed across Asia. The British may have a powerful hand on parts of the continent, but it was China’s control of opium that could not be ignored. Trade hinged on control of trading routes and the most sought-after items, of which opium was surely a key. Pitting the three major world powers—China, Britain, and America—against one another to control opium, Rutherfurd explores how they were able to deceive one another while pushing an addictive substance onto the masses.
As time progresses, exploration of China’s deeply-rooted dynastic adherence and tradition of cultural castes, as well as some of the key roles within the Emperor’s own court. From generational traditionalism to household roles, and even the place of eunuchs in the larger power structure, Rutherfurd shows the mentality of the Chinese and how set rules trumped any outside progress as the world changed. Those not entirely familiar with the traditions will likely scratch their heads, but it is the intricacies of each tradition and the detail to which they are described that makes their adherence better understood. These are surely the building blocks of the Chinese mentality of long-standing belief, though the reader can see that they hold a larger and more revered purpose as well.
By the 20th century, power bases were changing, but the Chinese were more concerned with their own internal structure, all without lagging behind. Power remained internalised, but this would help the Chinese to prepare for outside change, with politics emerging as a key wind for change. China’s fight to control its political future came to a head with the Boxer Rebellion, which would surely help usher in a new movement and create an appetite for increased power. While Mao was still little known, there is little doubt that he had begun planning what would be his epic revolution of the country.
There is no doubt that Edward Rutherfurd is at the top of his game in this multi-generational piece of historical fiction. While my review explored some of the larger themes and did not delve into specific characters, the reader can rest assured that much of the teaching done in this tome is through the vast array of fictional characters. Rutherfurd offers up some stellar narrative flow and provides excellent character development, all while keeping numerous storylines in tact. There is something about this type of storytelling, tandem narrative that do not regularly intermesh, that keeps the reader on their toes throughout. There is no doubt that the many plot developments and twists throughout will entertain and educate the reader in equal measure, leaving much to the imagination as time progresses. Rutherfurd’s detailed research and intricate placement of many of these stories cannot be ignored, nor should they be dismissed. While I remember waiting so long for the publication of this book, I can see now that the delays were well worth it, as Rutherfurd provides something as powerful as it is beautiful. China’s history is so much more than the communist state that provides a strong counterbalance to the capitalism many Westerners have become accustomed to in their own countries. The richness of the beliefs and strength of the various perspectives leaves readers in awe and has me wondering what is next in Rutherfurd’s vast array of multi-generational novels.
Kudos, Mr. Rutherfurd, for making the long way all the more worthwhile.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
China’s power could not be denied in 1839, as the First Opium War pushed across Asia. The British may have a powerful hand on parts of the continent, but it was China’s control of opium that could not be ignored. Trade hinged on control of trading routes and the most sought-after items, of which opium was surely a key. Pitting the three major world powers—China, Britain, and America—against one another to control opium, Rutherfurd explores how they were able to deceive one another while pushing an addictive substance onto the masses.
As time progresses, exploration of China’s deeply-rooted dynastic adherence and tradition of cultural castes, as well as some of the key roles within the Emperor’s own court. From generational traditionalism to household roles, and even the place of eunuchs in the larger power structure, Rutherfurd shows the mentality of the Chinese and how set rules trumped any outside progress as the world changed. Those not entirely familiar with the traditions will likely scratch their heads, but it is the intricacies of each tradition and the detail to which they are described that makes their adherence better understood. These are surely the building blocks of the Chinese mentality of long-standing belief, though the reader can see that they hold a larger and more revered purpose as well.
By the 20th century, power bases were changing, but the Chinese were more concerned with their own internal structure, all without lagging behind. Power remained internalised, but this would help the Chinese to prepare for outside change, with politics emerging as a key wind for change. China’s fight to control its political future came to a head with the Boxer Rebellion, which would surely help usher in a new movement and create an appetite for increased power. While Mao was still little known, there is little doubt that he had begun planning what would be his epic revolution of the country.
There is no doubt that Edward Rutherfurd is at the top of his game in this multi-generational piece of historical fiction. While my review explored some of the larger themes and did not delve into specific characters, the reader can rest assured that much of the teaching done in this tome is through the vast array of fictional characters. Rutherfurd offers up some stellar narrative flow and provides excellent character development, all while keeping numerous storylines in tact. There is something about this type of storytelling, tandem narrative that do not regularly intermesh, that keeps the reader on their toes throughout. There is no doubt that the many plot developments and twists throughout will entertain and educate the reader in equal measure, leaving much to the imagination as time progresses. Rutherfurd’s detailed research and intricate placement of many of these stories cannot be ignored, nor should they be dismissed. While I remember waiting so long for the publication of this book, I can see now that the delays were well worth it, as Rutherfurd provides something as powerful as it is beautiful. China’s history is so much more than the communist state that provides a strong counterbalance to the capitalism many Westerners have become accustomed to in their own countries. The richness of the beliefs and strength of the various perspectives leaves readers in awe and has me wondering what is next in Rutherfurd’s vast array of multi-generational novels.
Kudos, Mr. Rutherfurd, for making the long way all the more worthwhile.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
May 23, 2021
‘You must always remember that the emperor of China sits at the centre of the world, and he rules by the Mandate of Heaven.’
The novel opens in 1839, at the beginning of the First Opium War between the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty and the west and unfolds over the remainder of the Qing Dynasty, closing with mention of Dr Sun Yat-sen, General Yuan and Edmund Backhouse in the early twentieth century.
We follow the fortunes of members of different Chinese, British and American families over this period. I was particularly interested in Mr Rutherford’s depiction of various Chinese: from the Confucian principles outlined (if not always followed) by the Mandarins; of the differences between the Han Chinese and the Manchu; and of the customs described. While this novel is against the background of only a small period of Chinese history, Mr Rutherfurd’s characters reflect the conflict between the values of the Middle Kingdom and western imperialism. While I think Mr Rutherfurd depicts them accurately, I am less sympathetic to the western characters, especially the opportunistic traders and missionaries.
For me, most of the characters were less important than the story they were part of. They each served to highlight a particular part of history, to present a viewpoint consistent with the position occupied. I especially liked the eunuch Lacquer Nail’s description of the Empress Dowager Cixi’s reign, and I also enjoyed the stories of Shi-Rong (a young Mandarin at the beginning of the novel) and Mei-Ling (from a village near Guangzhou).
While I was hoping for a novel set in China before the impact of western imperialism, I quickly fell into the rhythm of this novel and enjoyed it. Chinese history is fascinating, and Mr Rutherfurd brings this particular period to life.
‘China’s history is long. The pattern takes new forms, but in essence it is always the same. A dynasty slowly degenerates. Outsiders encroach. Insiders rebel. The Mandate of Heaven is withdrawn. The dynasty falls. A period of chaos and warlords follows. Finally order is restored by a new dynasty, usually from within. The old empire rises again for a few more centuries.’
I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in China.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The novel opens in 1839, at the beginning of the First Opium War between the Qing (Manchu) Dynasty and the west and unfolds over the remainder of the Qing Dynasty, closing with mention of Dr Sun Yat-sen, General Yuan and Edmund Backhouse in the early twentieth century.
We follow the fortunes of members of different Chinese, British and American families over this period. I was particularly interested in Mr Rutherford’s depiction of various Chinese: from the Confucian principles outlined (if not always followed) by the Mandarins; of the differences between the Han Chinese and the Manchu; and of the customs described. While this novel is against the background of only a small period of Chinese history, Mr Rutherfurd’s characters reflect the conflict between the values of the Middle Kingdom and western imperialism. While I think Mr Rutherfurd depicts them accurately, I am less sympathetic to the western characters, especially the opportunistic traders and missionaries.
For me, most of the characters were less important than the story they were part of. They each served to highlight a particular part of history, to present a viewpoint consistent with the position occupied. I especially liked the eunuch Lacquer Nail’s description of the Empress Dowager Cixi’s reign, and I also enjoyed the stories of Shi-Rong (a young Mandarin at the beginning of the novel) and Mei-Ling (from a village near Guangzhou).
While I was hoping for a novel set in China before the impact of western imperialism, I quickly fell into the rhythm of this novel and enjoyed it. Chinese history is fascinating, and Mr Rutherfurd brings this particular period to life.
‘China’s history is long. The pattern takes new forms, but in essence it is always the same. A dynasty slowly degenerates. Outsiders encroach. Insiders rebel. The Mandate of Heaven is withdrawn. The dynasty falls. A period of chaos and warlords follows. Finally order is restored by a new dynasty, usually from within. The old empire rises again for a few more centuries.’
I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in China.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 4, 2022
Primer libro que leo de Edward Rutherfurd, casi 900 páginas que se leen con mucho interés ya que éste escritor sabe contar historias. En ésta, nos pinta un apasionante retrato de uno de los países más singulares y extraordinarios del mundo, a través de un largo período de su historia.
Elegí “China” porque me fascina la cultura oriental, y Rutherfurd ha sabido crear personajes que te trasladan a la China de las guerras del Opio, sin obviar el carácter y mentalidad de los chinos de ese tiempo, describiendo con mucho acierto los diversos clanes existentes y las diversas costumbres ancestrales, como el vendaje de pies y la vida de los eunucos. Todo muy bien condimentado con romance,aventuras, intriga,luchas y batallas.
Una lectura que recomiendo mucho, que entretiene y absorbe, y te deja con la sensación de haber aprendido un poco más de ese país tan fascinante.
De seguro continuaré leyendo a Edward Rutherfurd!
Elegí “China” porque me fascina la cultura oriental, y Rutherfurd ha sabido crear personajes que te trasladan a la China de las guerras del Opio, sin obviar el carácter y mentalidad de los chinos de ese tiempo, describiendo con mucho acierto los diversos clanes existentes y las diversas costumbres ancestrales, como el vendaje de pies y la vida de los eunucos. Todo muy bien condimentado con romance,aventuras, intriga,luchas y batallas.
Una lectura que recomiendo mucho, que entretiene y absorbe, y te deja con la sensación de haber aprendido un poco más de ese país tan fascinante.
De seguro continuaré leyendo a Edward Rutherfurd!
December 2, 2022
Another DNF for me this year, and I really REALLY wanted to enjoy myself with my first Rutherford book by immersing myself in the culture and history of China. Plus, I've read so many phenomenal reviews of his writing, but honestly I got so bored and just couldn't engage or get connected to the characters. At first, I was thoroughly into learning about the opium trade, but somehow the storyline got sidetracked into focusing on peripheral relationships, and it continued to drag on from there. If I have to force myself to finish a book simply because other people love it, then I would never have discovered some other hidden gems. This just is not one of them. Still, I may give Rutherford another chance by picking up one of his novels...this simply may not be one of his better ones.
June 12, 2021
I’ve read most of Rutherfurd’s books, and I’ve generally like them quite a lot. While I found the time period fascinating, and really liked the Opium trade/wars as a backdrop, I didn’t find myself getting attached to any of the characters. It was a very large investment of my time so I was a little disappointed this time around.
September 6, 2021
"Remember what Napoleon said: China is a sleeping giant. When she awakes the world will tremble" . . .
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This is my fourth historical fiction novel written by Edward Rutherfurd, and as like his other novels, did not disappoint (mostly). As like his other novels, readers are taken on a journey of either a city or country and given a very thorough knowledge of its culture, people, geography, etc. By the end of his novels, you get a profound appreciation and you walk away more knowledgeable, then when you first started.
However, unlike his other novels which span thousands of years through many generations, in this novel, we're only introduced to decades of Chinese history, but nonetheless, the outcome is still the same as in his other works.
In his latest novel China: The Novel, readers are introduced to the dawn of the Opium Wars back in 1839, and progresses through Chinese history showing how China was set in its old ways, and how the West attempted to open China up and introduce their own ways on them.
Readers are taken through milestone historical events throughout the novel such as: Opium Wars, Taiping Rebellion, Boxer Rebellion, the rule of the last Empress of China (Cixi), etc.
We're introduced to a wide variety of characters as we journey through Chinese history such as: missionaries, traders, palace eunuchs, pirates, etc.
Not only does the author take readers through Chinese milestone events as mentioned above, but as like in his past novels I've read introduces subtle events through the eyes of characters that are resurfaced now and again (you need to pay attention to the many characters he introduces, and what they do, as this is one of the many keys to his novels). For example as one of the subtle events introduced, is the incorporation of Chinese workers going to California during the 1848 Gold Rush to work on the railroads.
As mentioned above, Mr Rutherfurd gives readers a fantastic and well detailed journey to the geography of the country or city he is writing about. In the sense of China: The Novel, the author does a wonderful job of detailing the geography of China and placing the reader right there.
I feel like I can't do this book justice enough in this review, but I find this is one readers need to read and take away what they feel is important. I found one of the pieces of history very interesting was the Opium Wars which lasted from 1839-1842.
I found this link while googling, which I am including here should anyone else be of interest: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/opium-w...
If you're at all interested in Chinese history, I highly recommend you check this one out :)
** As always, I find myself wondering how large Mr. Rutherfurd's research team is, as his whether he writes one that spans thousands of years or decades, his research is always top notch and the story is so captivating, you're drawn in right from the get go **
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
This is my fourth historical fiction novel written by Edward Rutherfurd, and as like his other novels, did not disappoint (mostly). As like his other novels, readers are taken on a journey of either a city or country and given a very thorough knowledge of its culture, people, geography, etc. By the end of his novels, you get a profound appreciation and you walk away more knowledgeable, then when you first started.
However, unlike his other novels which span thousands of years through many generations, in this novel, we're only introduced to decades of Chinese history, but nonetheless, the outcome is still the same as in his other works.
In his latest novel China: The Novel, readers are introduced to the dawn of the Opium Wars back in 1839, and progresses through Chinese history showing how China was set in its old ways, and how the West attempted to open China up and introduce their own ways on them.
Readers are taken through milestone historical events throughout the novel such as: Opium Wars, Taiping Rebellion, Boxer Rebellion, the rule of the last Empress of China (Cixi), etc.
We're introduced to a wide variety of characters as we journey through Chinese history such as: missionaries, traders, palace eunuchs, pirates, etc.
Not only does the author take readers through Chinese milestone events as mentioned above, but as like in his past novels I've read introduces subtle events through the eyes of characters that are resurfaced now and again (you need to pay attention to the many characters he introduces, and what they do, as this is one of the many keys to his novels). For example as one of the subtle events introduced, is the incorporation of Chinese workers going to California during the 1848 Gold Rush to work on the railroads.
As mentioned above, Mr Rutherfurd gives readers a fantastic and well detailed journey to the geography of the country or city he is writing about. In the sense of China: The Novel, the author does a wonderful job of detailing the geography of China and placing the reader right there.
I feel like I can't do this book justice enough in this review, but I find this is one readers need to read and take away what they feel is important. I found one of the pieces of history very interesting was the Opium Wars which lasted from 1839-1842.
I found this link while googling, which I am including here should anyone else be of interest: https://www.nam.ac.uk/explore/opium-w...
If you're at all interested in Chinese history, I highly recommend you check this one out :)
** As always, I find myself wondering how large Mr. Rutherfurd's research team is, as his whether he writes one that spans thousands of years or decades, his research is always top notch and the story is so captivating, you're drawn in right from the get go **
December 2, 2021
This is the Best Book I've read this year. There was a richness of characters from foreigners to various Chinese Culture groups, developed separately, then often with them interacting in interesting ways. There was only once that i guessed an outcome from an encounter; the rest were surprise after surprise.
The various characters were introduced and their lives followed in third person, with many engaging twists, except for one charcter who' narrative was in the first person giving the read another elevated dimension.
The section on foot binding has painful to read, perhaps to solicit sympathy. The British certainly came across as Barbarians as i found myself siding with the Chinese point of view. China has a long history and a long memory. They will try to regain what was lost to them.
It had been a pleasure to read, with a richness of characters and well paced presentation of events that allowed understanding of why things (rebelllions) went the way they did. i learned a lot about China in the time period the story followed (1839-1901). I broadened my knowledge of the Boxer Rebellion, Taiping, the Forbidden Palace (which i have had the good fortune to visit in 2006), the Ming Dynasty, Confuciasm and other facets of Chinese history
The characters remain vivid in my mind.
Typed using EasyKeyB
The various characters were introduced and their lives followed in third person, with many engaging twists, except for one charcter who' narrative was in the first person giving the read another elevated dimension.
The section on foot binding has painful to read, perhaps to solicit sympathy. The British certainly came across as Barbarians as i found myself siding with the Chinese point of view. China has a long history and a long memory. They will try to regain what was lost to them.
It had been a pleasure to read, with a richness of characters and well paced presentation of events that allowed understanding of why things (rebelllions) went the way they did. i learned a lot about China in the time period the story followed (1839-1901). I broadened my knowledge of the Boxer Rebellion, Taiping, the Forbidden Palace (which i have had the good fortune to visit in 2006), the Ming Dynasty, Confuciasm and other facets of Chinese history
The characters remain vivid in my mind.
Typed using EasyKeyB
July 9, 2021
A historical fiction account of China from the Opium Wars until the fall of Empress Cixi in 1875. I was unimpressed by the writing, characterisations and the disjointedness of the story. Whilst many historical events are encapsulated in the book they are not covered in great detail yet the book is unnecessarily long.
June 24, 2021
My first Rutherfurd, and it was a magnificent read. Learnt much about 19th century China, its relationships with other countries, the various factions and its rulers, all through a fictious tale. Would love to explore other places via this author.
March 30, 2021
have read several books by Edward Rutherfurd and liked all of them. This book, like the others, gives you a lesson in history but in fiction form. This book is a history of China from the Opium Wars up to and including the Boxer Uprising - a period of roughly 70 years. The author follows several fictitious families, both Chinese and British, throughout this period. It charts the ever changing relationships between both the people and the governments.
The more I read, the more I was drawn into the book. I had heard about both the Opium Wars and the Boxer Uprisings, but I didn't know Britain's part in these events, or the changes they instigated. The characters came alive to me - some more than others, I would love a sequel following the same families, but depicting the period from the end of the Boxer Uprising to the present day.
This book is not for somebody who likes to dip in and out of a book. It is a very large book, and needs some concentration. Personally, the more I read, the more I wanted to read - when I finished it, I had enjoyed it so much, it took a few days before I felt that I could leave this behind and start a new book.
If you enjoy sagas and also enjoy learning about history without being bored with non-fiction books, this is highly recommended. After a couple of 'chick=lit" books, I intend to re=read the rest of Edward Rutherfurd books.
The more I read, the more I was drawn into the book. I had heard about both the Opium Wars and the Boxer Uprisings, but I didn't know Britain's part in these events, or the changes they instigated. The characters came alive to me - some more than others, I would love a sequel following the same families, but depicting the period from the end of the Boxer Uprising to the present day.
This book is not for somebody who likes to dip in and out of a book. It is a very large book, and needs some concentration. Personally, the more I read, the more I wanted to read - when I finished it, I had enjoyed it so much, it took a few days before I felt that I could leave this behind and start a new book.
If you enjoy sagas and also enjoy learning about history without being bored with non-fiction books, this is highly recommended. After a couple of 'chick=lit" books, I intend to re=read the rest of Edward Rutherfurd books.
May 21, 2023
هذه هي الرواية الرابعة التي أقرأها لإدوارد روذرفورد، والذي اشتهر بأعماله التاريخية الملحمية التي تتناول قصة المكان عبر الأجيال والعصور. وبالرغم من أنه قد جوز السبعين، إلا أنه في عمله الأخير هذا يظل ممتعاً بعقد حكاياته وموسوعية حبكته.
في قصته عن الصين، يخالف روذرفورد نفسه، إنه لا يتكلم عن البلاد منذ ظهورها الأول على مسرح التاريخ، ولا ينتهي بسرده في الزمن المعاصر، مثلما فعل في «ساروم» و ��نيويورك» و «روسيا». لكنه عوضاً عن ذلك يقتصر على المئة عام التي سبقت سقوط آخر أباطرة «المملكة السماوية»، أو ما يعرف بـ «قرن المذلّة» في الأدبيات الصينية، وهي فترة حافلة بالتغييرات السريعة والرهيبة: حروب أفيون واحتلال هونغ كونغ وشانغهاي وثورات داخلية، والأهم من ذلك تغييرات صاعقة تضرب نمط حياة استمر لقرون.
بشكل ما، يبدو فهم هذه المرحلة من التاريخ الصيني المتطاول هاماً جداً كي نستوعب كيف وصلت إلينا الصين التي نعرفها اليوم. وإن تمنيت أن تشمل الرواية زمن ثورة ماو الكبرى. لكن لسبب ما اقتصر روذرفورد في هذه الرواية الضخمة على تكثيف زمن سقوط الإمبراطورية، بكل ما اكتنفه من تدخلات الاستعمار الأوروبي، وإعادة تشكل الطبقات الشعبية والعسكرية والارستقراطية الصينية بامتدادها بين العوالم الأسطورية للقصر الذي تنحل قبضته رويداً عن مقدرات بلاد مترامية الأطراف، جاء الغرب -الموصوم بالتخلف والبربرية في المفهوم الصيني العام- بمدافعه وبحداثته الطاغية ليستحلها وينتهك ناموسها القديم، ويوغل في زعزعتها على كل الصعد، حتى باتت في مواجهة ذاتها أخيراً.
إن الصين اليوم هي في العموم إرهاص لتلك الأحداث المدهشة. وقد قدم روذرفورد تلك المعاني من خلال شخصيات منتقاة بذكاء تعكس التنوع العرقي والسوسيولوجي، في حبكة يختلط فيها الواقعي بالمتخيل لنعيش تجربة إنسانية متجاوزة للزمان والمكان.
في قصته عن الصين، يخالف روذرفورد نفسه، إنه لا يتكلم عن البلاد منذ ظهورها الأول على مسرح التاريخ، ولا ينتهي بسرده في الزمن المعاصر، مثلما فعل في «ساروم» و ��نيويورك» و «روسيا». لكنه عوضاً عن ذلك يقتصر على المئة عام التي سبقت سقوط آخر أباطرة «المملكة السماوية»، أو ما يعرف بـ «قرن المذلّة» في الأدبيات الصينية، وهي فترة حافلة بالتغييرات السريعة والرهيبة: حروب أفيون واحتلال هونغ كونغ وشانغهاي وثورات داخلية، والأهم من ذلك تغييرات صاعقة تضرب نمط حياة استمر لقرون.
بشكل ما، يبدو فهم هذه المرحلة من التاريخ الصيني المتطاول هاماً جداً كي نستوعب كيف وصلت إلينا الصين التي نعرفها اليوم. وإن تمنيت أن تشمل الرواية زمن ثورة ماو الكبرى. لكن لسبب ما اقتصر روذرفورد في هذه الرواية الضخمة على تكثيف زمن سقوط الإمبراطورية، بكل ما اكتنفه من تدخلات الاستعمار الأوروبي، وإعادة تشكل الطبقات الشعبية والعسكرية والارستقراطية الصينية بامتدادها بين العوالم الأسطورية للقصر الذي تنحل قبضته رويداً عن مقدرات بلاد مترامية الأطراف، جاء الغرب -الموصوم بالتخلف والبربرية في المفهوم الصيني العام- بمدافعه وبحداثته الطاغية ليستحلها وينتهك ناموسها القديم، ويوغل في زعزعتها على كل الصعد، حتى باتت في مواجهة ذاتها أخيراً.
إن الصين اليوم هي في العموم إرهاص لتلك الأحداث المدهشة. وقد قدم روذرفورد تلك المعاني من خلال شخصيات منتقاة بذكاء تعكس التنوع العرقي والسوسيولوجي، في حبكة يختلط فيها الواقعي بالمتخيل لنعيش تجربة إنسانية متجاوزة للزمان والمكان.
July 15, 2025
I have read Edward Rutherford's book New York in 2021 and judging by my review, it was interesting but a little boring at times. Fortunately, this book was much better. While in New York the focus was mainly on one family through many generations, in China writes about different characters, both British and Chinese. For me this made the story much more interesting.
The different characters offer a good glimpse of the political and economical circumstances in China at that time. An English trader, caring about profit and making money through the opium trade. An English missionary, kind but with many conflicts within himself about religion and how to connect with Chinese people. His character shows the difficulties of understanding between different cultures.
On the Chinese side there are different characters such as a young Chinese woman, which shows the role woman played in society. A Chinese nationalist, wanting China to be independent and who fights against foreign influence. And a eunuch, helping the empress-dowager Cixi to stay on the throne, which shows the complete stratification at the Chinese government.
This book taught me many things I did not know before about Chinese history, like the Opium Wars and Boxer Rebellion. Rutherfurd explains these events clearly and in an interesting way, which kept my attention all the way through.
I found China a very good book because of these different characters. They help show the complicated relationship between China and Britain clearly. The writing is lively and easier to follow than in New York and I enjoyed reading it while at the same time learning about Chinese history.
Read in Dutch
The different characters offer a good glimpse of the political and economical circumstances in China at that time. An English trader, caring about profit and making money through the opium trade. An English missionary, kind but with many conflicts within himself about religion and how to connect with Chinese people. His character shows the difficulties of understanding between different cultures.
On the Chinese side there are different characters such as a young Chinese woman, which shows the role woman played in society. A Chinese nationalist, wanting China to be independent and who fights against foreign influence. And a eunuch, helping the empress-dowager Cixi to stay on the throne, which shows the complete stratification at the Chinese government.
This book taught me many things I did not know before about Chinese history, like the Opium Wars and Boxer Rebellion. Rutherfurd explains these events clearly and in an interesting way, which kept my attention all the way through.
I found China a very good book because of these different characters. They help show the complicated relationship between China and Britain clearly. The writing is lively and easier to follow than in New York and I enjoyed reading it while at the same time learning about Chinese history.
Read in Dutch
June 21, 2021
Set in 19th century China, this is the ideal historical fiction - lucid, detailed and engrossing. It picks off from the first Opium War and ends with the Boxer rebellion. On the way, we follow events intertwined around the lives of a few characters - Chinese and foreign. The author stays largely non-judgemental and the book is a fine example of “show not tell” and that too from multiple POVs. And unlike other Rutherfurd novels, there is a greater continuity as the time period covered is short.
China - One sixth of the earth’s population and the second superpower currently. And to think I had not read any fiction - crime,historical or contemporary set in China. And was intimidated by histories such as “China” by John Keay. Even though I loved Keay’s books on Indian history earlier. May now pick it up soon.
Finally, the finest historical fiction I have read so far is “Sea of Poppies” by Amitav Ghosh. The greatest compliment I can pay Rutherfurd is that he reminded me of Ghosh all the way !
China - One sixth of the earth’s population and the second superpower currently. And to think I had not read any fiction - crime,historical or contemporary set in China. And was intimidated by histories such as “China” by John Keay. Even though I loved Keay’s books on Indian history earlier. May now pick it up soon.
Finally, the finest historical fiction I have read so far is “Sea of Poppies” by Amitav Ghosh. The greatest compliment I can pay Rutherfurd is that he reminded me of Ghosh all the way !
December 26, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! Covering the period from the Opium Wars through the Boxer Rebellion, the author made me feel like I was there. A wide variety of richly developed characters allow the reader to experience the events from multiple perspectives. The author follows history closely, using a mix of actual and fictional people. Some of the characters you will love, some you will despise, but they all add to the story.
As with all of the author's books, this is a LONG book. Well over 800 pages! I had a bit of difficulty getting into it at first. I had recently read "The Opium Lord's Daughter" by Robert Wang, so much of the beginning seemed to be repetitive, but then Wow! Did the story ever take off! I lost a lot of sleep, reading into the wee hours because I just could not put this book down!
A great, epic read! Highly highly recommend!
As with all of the author's books, this is a LONG book. Well over 800 pages! I had a bit of difficulty getting into it at first. I had recently read "The Opium Lord's Daughter" by Robert Wang, so much of the beginning seemed to be repetitive, but then Wow! Did the story ever take off! I lost a lot of sleep, reading into the wee hours because I just could not put this book down!
A great, epic read! Highly highly recommend!
June 1, 2021
Outstanding
January 26, 2024
Grandly ambitious and epic in scope, China itself was the main character with all other characters seemingly just bit players along the way. This novel is impressive for its depth and span, the research must have been phenomenal. Ultimately though, it was far too long for me. The author did an excellent job at ensuring it was not confusing nor convoluted, but at almost 800 pages of tiny print long, it was like reading the novel that never ends. I think I’ve come to realise that I’m no longer the type of reader who enjoys ‘big books’. I have neither the time nor the attention span for them. If you do like big books though, particularly epic historical sagas, this one is very good. Well written, well researched, balanced between the political and the social, and most importantly, engrossing.
Read throughout January as a buddy read with Brooke from All The Books I Can Read.
Read throughout January as a buddy read with Brooke from All The Books I Can Read.
May 24, 2021
I've been waiting eight years for a new Rutherfurd! I have the hardcover to take it's place on the shelf with the first eight I've bought since 1987 as well as the Kindle edition so I can put it in my purse.
05/20/2021
Review to follow. I finished it in the wee hours of this morning and need to think about it.
05/23/2021
There is no question that Rutherfurd is a wonderful storyteller and thoroughly accurate and painstaking researcher of history. I certainly enjoyed this very much. Unlike his first works (Sarum: The Novel of England, London, Russka: The Novel of Russia, The Princes of Ireland, and The Rebels of Ireland, all of which begin with a vast and expansive panorama of geology, natural sciences, and history from pre-human to contemporary time, China: The Novel, like Paris and New York, is set in a much briefer time period, in this case, it is bookmarked by by the Opium War and the Boxer Rebellion in mid-19th and the early 20th centuries.
05/20/2021
Review to follow. I finished it in the wee hours of this morning and need to think about it.
05/23/2021
There is no question that Rutherfurd is a wonderful storyteller and thoroughly accurate and painstaking researcher of history. I certainly enjoyed this very much. Unlike his first works (Sarum: The Novel of England, London, Russka: The Novel of Russia, The Princes of Ireland, and The Rebels of Ireland, all of which begin with a vast and expansive panorama of geology, natural sciences, and history from pre-human to contemporary time, China: The Novel, like Paris and New York, is set in a much briefer time period, in this case, it is bookmarked by by the Opium War and the Boxer Rebellion in mid-19th and the early 20th centuries.
May 28, 2021
Magnificent. Kept trying to read slower, to make it last longer. Trailed a little at the end, but was an extremely good read. To the standard of his first two books; Sarum and The New Forest.
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