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Rangoon
WILLING PRISONER IN A PALACE OF DREAMS...
Rangoon. Lysistrata's heart raced with excitement. A world away from Boston. A place where she could forget...
Rangoon—land of color and adventure—where, like an emerging butterfly, she would taste the exotic and dangerous life of the streets, and dance in the palaces of princes.
But one man made her want even more. Richard Harley's dark and wicked eyes warned of danger...and hinted at pleasures beyond her wildest fantasies. Drawn, like a moth to the flame, by the lure of the East and the man who was its soul, Lysistrata traveled forbidden roads and journeyed deep into the heart of Burma. And in the secluded majesty of Richard Harley's castle of erotic dreams, she could at last yield to the man whose passion possessed her, as they both surrendered to the obsession of their love.
Rangoon. Lysistrata's heart raced with excitement. A world away from Boston. A place where she could forget...
Rangoon—land of color and adventure—where, like an emerging butterfly, she would taste the exotic and dangerous life of the streets, and dance in the palaces of princes.
But one man made her want even more. Richard Harley's dark and wicked eyes warned of danger...and hinted at pleasures beyond her wildest fantasies. Drawn, like a moth to the flame, by the lure of the East and the man who was its soul, Lysistrata traveled forbidden roads and journeyed deep into the heart of Burma. And in the secluded majesty of Richard Harley's castle of erotic dreams, she could at last yield to the man whose passion possessed her, as they both surrendered to the obsession of their love.
464 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1985
3 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Christine Monson
7 books85 followersChristine Monson was born in 1946. Raised in a West Virginia coal camp, she read for escape, learning to coax the ordinary out of the extraordinary. She published her controversial debut novel, Stormfire, in 1984.
Lauded by some readers as lyrical and moving, and condemned by others as a violently immoral tale, Stormfire, a romance set during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, has gained a cult following since its release. After Stormfire’s publication, Monson continued combining high-angst historical romance with political conflict: Rangoon is set prior to the third Anglo-Burmese War, Surrender the Night breaks apart the main couple during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, and A Flame Run Wild follows a weary Crusader. She published her last two novels, Golden Nights and This Fiery Splendor, in the early 90s.
Lauded by some readers as lyrical and moving, and condemned by others as a violently immoral tale, Stormfire, a romance set during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, has gained a cult following since its release. After Stormfire’s publication, Monson continued combining high-angst historical romance with political conflict: Rangoon is set prior to the third Anglo-Burmese War, Surrender the Night breaks apart the main couple during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, and A Flame Run Wild follows a weary Crusader. She published her last two novels, Golden Nights and This Fiery Splendor, in the early 90s.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 13, 2021
Christine Monson was best known for her infamous, shocking bodice-ripper Stormfire, which is legendary for the protagonists' extremely abusive revenge-based romance. Her second book Rangoon significantly turns down the crazy factor, but still retains the sensitive writing that made Stormfire so haunting and memorable.
It's the late 19th century. Boston-bred Lysistrata travels all the way across the world with her father, a doctor, to Burma to start a new life. Nursing, a broken heart from an ill-fated romance, Lysistrata tries valiantly to navigate her way through her new environment and its rigid class system. She meets Richard "Ram" Harley, a half-Burmese, Half-British man she can't help but find attractive. Harley is a pirate who seduces married women and callously threatens to ruin Lysi when she discovers one of his illicit amours.
With a name like Lysistrata that should give about her independent, determined nature. At first, her feisty, "I'll do it my way!" attitude tested my patience, although I warmed up to her as the book evolved. She's not your typical foot-stomping, face-slapping heroine (at least not when it comes to the hero, anyway) so common in old-school bodice rippers. Lsyi is ever cognizant of her expected role in society but sticks to her convictions in an admirable and likable way.
Intrigued by Harley's outsider status, Lysistrata pursues him romantically, to her detriment. For although their mutual desire results in a night of passion, Harley turns the tables on her, revealing a cruel nature that a veneer of civility had hidden.
When Harley is framed for a murder he did not commit, he assumes Lysi is behind the false accusations. Before he makes his getaway, he vows he will have revenge!
Lsyi's bold behavior has made her numerous enemies. These unscrupulous foes collude to have her kidnapped and sold into slavery. It's no surprise when Harley purchases her for his own enjoyment. Now that he's lost his life and place in so-called civilized White society, he has nothing to lose. He takes her to his majestic jungle hideaway, where he will exact his vengeance.
Now going by the name Ram, he shows Lysi a darker side of his nature. For those readers who cannot stomach abuse, fear not. Where in Stormfire Monson had the hero imprison, torture, rape, and humiliate his heroine, in Rangoon Ram is nowhere near as extremely cruel. He does make Lysi his unwilling mistress, however. Ram's actions may blur the line on consent, although it's written more as a "forced seduction" fantasy than a brutal violation.
"You're practiced enough at rape," she hissed. "It must be your only alternative to buying a bed partner."
"But I only had to rape you a little," he teased, "and of course, I will pay you if you prefer."
"I prefer to be left alone!"
He laughed. "After last night, even you don't believe that lie. Why not admit you enjoy what I do to you?"
"Go to hell."
Despite Lysistarta's defiance, she finds herself enchanted by Ram and his magical palace in the wilderness. This middle portion of the story is the best part of the book as Ram and Lysi engage in a tug-and-pull power play. As a mixed-race corsair, Ram has always lived on the fringes, torn betwen two worlds that never truly accepted him. As a free-thinking woman, Lysistrata has been constrained by the dictates of society. I could have read hundreds of more pages of their engrossing battle of wills.
Alas, Lysistrata and Ram's idyll in the Burmese jungles does come to an end. The false murder charges finally catch up with Ram, and he is arrested. Now with Ram on trial, Lysistrata fights to save him from the hangman's noose. This is where Rangoon fell apart for me. No longer an engaging character-driven romance, the book turned into a dull courtroom drama that went on and on. Plus, except for one charismatic fellow, there were multiple side characters who added nothing to the story.
Despite's Monson's thoughtful writing, the lackluster conclusion caused my initial delight to falter. It was a disappointment that the incredible, thrilling highs of her first book were not reached here. Monson's characters are strong. Her sensitive skill at her craft was undeniable. However, the plotting was weak in Rangoon. It's one of those romance novels I'm glad to have read but have no plans to ever revisit.
On to the next book.
It's the late 19th century. Boston-bred Lysistrata travels all the way across the world with her father, a doctor, to Burma to start a new life. Nursing, a broken heart from an ill-fated romance, Lysistrata tries valiantly to navigate her way through her new environment and its rigid class system. She meets Richard "Ram" Harley, a half-Burmese, Half-British man she can't help but find attractive. Harley is a pirate who seduces married women and callously threatens to ruin Lysi when she discovers one of his illicit amours.
With a name like Lysistrata that should give about her independent, determined nature. At first, her feisty, "I'll do it my way!" attitude tested my patience, although I warmed up to her as the book evolved. She's not your typical foot-stomping, face-slapping heroine (at least not when it comes to the hero, anyway) so common in old-school bodice rippers. Lsyi is ever cognizant of her expected role in society but sticks to her convictions in an admirable and likable way.
Intrigued by Harley's outsider status, Lysistrata pursues him romantically, to her detriment. For although their mutual desire results in a night of passion, Harley turns the tables on her, revealing a cruel nature that a veneer of civility had hidden.
When Harley is framed for a murder he did not commit, he assumes Lysi is behind the false accusations. Before he makes his getaway, he vows he will have revenge!
Lsyi's bold behavior has made her numerous enemies. These unscrupulous foes collude to have her kidnapped and sold into slavery. It's no surprise when Harley purchases her for his own enjoyment. Now that he's lost his life and place in so-called civilized White society, he has nothing to lose. He takes her to his majestic jungle hideaway, where he will exact his vengeance.
Now going by the name Ram, he shows Lysi a darker side of his nature. For those readers who cannot stomach abuse, fear not. Where in Stormfire Monson had the hero imprison, torture, rape, and humiliate his heroine, in Rangoon Ram is nowhere near as extremely cruel. He does make Lysi his unwilling mistress, however. Ram's actions may blur the line on consent, although it's written more as a "forced seduction" fantasy than a brutal violation.
"You're practiced enough at rape," she hissed. "It must be your only alternative to buying a bed partner."
"But I only had to rape you a little," he teased, "and of course, I will pay you if you prefer."
"I prefer to be left alone!"
He laughed. "After last night, even you don't believe that lie. Why not admit you enjoy what I do to you?"
"Go to hell."
Despite Lysistarta's defiance, she finds herself enchanted by Ram and his magical palace in the wilderness. This middle portion of the story is the best part of the book as Ram and Lysi engage in a tug-and-pull power play. As a mixed-race corsair, Ram has always lived on the fringes, torn betwen two worlds that never truly accepted him. As a free-thinking woman, Lysistrata has been constrained by the dictates of society. I could have read hundreds of more pages of their engrossing battle of wills.
Alas, Lysistrata and Ram's idyll in the Burmese jungles does come to an end. The false murder charges finally catch up with Ram, and he is arrested. Now with Ram on trial, Lysistrata fights to save him from the hangman's noose. This is where Rangoon fell apart for me. No longer an engaging character-driven romance, the book turned into a dull courtroom drama that went on and on. Plus, except for one charismatic fellow, there were multiple side characters who added nothing to the story.
Despite's Monson's thoughtful writing, the lackluster conclusion caused my initial delight to falter. It was a disappointment that the incredible, thrilling highs of her first book were not reached here. Monson's characters are strong. Her sensitive skill at her craft was undeniable. However, the plotting was weak in Rangoon. It's one of those romance novels I'm glad to have read but have no plans to ever revisit.
On to the next book.
April 30, 2015
3.5 stars. The writing is beautiful & deserves 4+, but I didn't care for the hero or the heroine -- so I didn't round up.
The plot is complicated & heavily involved with Victorian-era political & trade issues in Burma. I can't offer thoughts on the accuracy because I'm totally unfamiliar with Burmese history, but it rings true to what I know about British colonial relations with India during that period.
Character-wise, Lysistrata & Ram don't compare to Kit & Sean of Stormfire. I absolutely loved Kit's white-knuckled, stoic pride; even when Sean drags her through the gutter & treats her like shit, she's determined not to show how much it hurts. But Lysistrata didn't have that same determination -- she was more concerned with mouthing off & flouncing around to prove she was desirable. It's true she had a traumatic personal experience to muddle her reactions to men in general, but even then she was highly inconsistent. I never got a feeling of what she wanted, or even why she was driven to get...whatever it was.
Likewise, Ram was something of a cipher. Action scenes excepted, he spent a lot of time moping over his heritage (half-caste British/Indian). True, his parents were royally fucked up; their backstory could have provided an awesome prequel novel. But compared to the engrossing, violent, & bizarre antics of that previous generation, Ram struck me as anti-climactic with a tendency toward petulant emoz. Compared with Sean's brutal-but-fascinating antics, he just wasn't that compelling. He spent a lot of time wandering around Burmese waterways, thinking how hard his life was & how much he wanted Lysistrata's magical hoo-ha to heal his wounds. Like the heroine, I had no idea of his ultimate goal; key plot points hinge on his confusing conclusion re: Lysistrata's motivation, & we didn't see him do much of anything to maintain his palace, his wealth, or his badass reputation in legal/illegal trade -- it was just there.
That said, the middle section where Lysistrata & Ram lived at the palace was very good -- it had a semi-gothic tinge that reminded me of the dynamic between Sean & Kit during the calmer periods of her captivity, & the vaguely menacing characters that surrounded them were really intriguing. (Also, there was a harem. And the moat was filled with crocodiles. Fabulous. :D) But the bits in 'metropolitan' Burma didn't have the same level of taut tension. There were too many confusing plots & counterplots re: the Chinese trade route, & the overload of witty banter felt out of place in an otherwise serious story. (Lysistrata & Ram also refused to have an honest conversation, like, ever. It annoys me when a simple 20-minute dialogue could clear the way for a HEA, yet the author prolongs stubbornness beyond legit dramatic purposes.)
So, anyway...the total product of Rangoon didn't get under my skin like Stormfire. But if you're a Monson fan & expect a certain level of technical quality, don't worry -- you'll find it in this book. The visuals were stunning & the secondary characters were painted with deft strokes of individuality.
The plot is complicated & heavily involved with Victorian-era political & trade issues in Burma. I can't offer thoughts on the accuracy because I'm totally unfamiliar with Burmese history, but it rings true to what I know about British colonial relations with India during that period.
Character-wise, Lysistrata & Ram don't compare to Kit & Sean of Stormfire. I absolutely loved Kit's white-knuckled, stoic pride; even when Sean drags her through the gutter & treats her like shit, she's determined not to show how much it hurts. But Lysistrata didn't have that same determination -- she was more concerned with mouthing off & flouncing around to prove she was desirable. It's true she had a traumatic personal experience to muddle her reactions to men in general, but even then she was highly inconsistent. I never got a feeling of what she wanted, or even why she was driven to get...whatever it was.
Likewise, Ram was something of a cipher. Action scenes excepted, he spent a lot of time moping over his heritage (half-caste British/Indian). True, his parents were royally fucked up; their backstory could have provided an awesome prequel novel. But compared to the engrossing, violent, & bizarre antics of that previous generation, Ram struck me as anti-climactic with a tendency toward petulant emoz. Compared with Sean's brutal-but-fascinating antics, he just wasn't that compelling. He spent a lot of time wandering around Burmese waterways, thinking how hard his life was & how much he wanted Lysistrata's magical hoo-ha to heal his wounds. Like the heroine, I had no idea of his ultimate goal; key plot points hinge on his confusing conclusion re: Lysistrata's motivation, & we didn't see him do much of anything to maintain his palace, his wealth, or his badass reputation in legal/illegal trade -- it was just there.
That said, the middle section where Lysistrata & Ram lived at the palace was very good -- it had a semi-gothic tinge that reminded me of the dynamic between Sean & Kit during the calmer periods of her captivity, & the vaguely menacing characters that surrounded them were really intriguing. (Also, there was a harem. And the moat was filled with crocodiles. Fabulous. :D) But the bits in 'metropolitan' Burma didn't have the same level of taut tension. There were too many confusing plots & counterplots re: the Chinese trade route, & the overload of witty banter felt out of place in an otherwise serious story. (Lysistrata & Ram also refused to have an honest conversation, like, ever. It annoys me when a simple 20-minute dialogue could clear the way for a HEA, yet the author prolongs stubbornness beyond legit dramatic purposes.)
So, anyway...the total product of Rangoon didn't get under my skin like Stormfire. But if you're a Monson fan & expect a certain level of technical quality, don't worry -- you'll find it in this book. The visuals were stunning & the secondary characters were painted with deft strokes of individuality.
July 27, 2015
Burma, Victorian era. The year is not named, but it's after the US Civil War.
The girl: Lysistrata Herriot and her father arrive in Rangoon where he's accepted a doctoring position at the local hospital. There is some scandal of sorts that led Lysistrata (what a name!) and her father to leave family and Boston behind with little money in their pocketbooks or clothes on their backs. Our heroine has a mind of her own, and doesn't follow society's strictest guidelines; she takes a while to shed her plain exterior and shine in the local, restrictive British community. But when she does, oh does she shine and catches all the young males in her web.
The guy: Richard Harley is a mix of east and west, and from the wrong side of the blanket to boot. British society only tolerates him for hispirate privateering skills at bringing needed goods (like medicines for the hospital) to Rangoon. Handsome, wealthy, dangerous and oh-so connected to the darker side of Rangoon.
Well, I won't spoil, but things happen and our hero is framed for murder and high-tails it out of town to his palace in northern Burma; but he's got to save our heroine from a sticky wicket first and then there's no easy way to get her back to her father, besides the fact he believes she's the cause of his current difficulties and wants a bit of revenge.
"She owed him a very large debt - which he would take out of her beautiful, bitchy hide."
Well, fasten your seatbelts for a wild, bumpy ride through the Burmese jungle. Elephants, a tiger, rickety bridges over deep ravines that don't always hold up a person's weight. Snakes, monkeys and other primates, bugs, sore backsides, death defying shoot outs (or the occasional poison dart) with the resident baddies. And once they get to this magical palace you'd think everything is safe and secure for the eventual jungle loving you know is going to happen, 'cause we've got a 'housekeeper' that hates our heroine on site and there's a crazy woman in the west wing of the tower, and gosh knows what all else happens but it does. Oh, and three women in the harem section...
Wow, this was an unputdownable solid four star read for me until the final 150 or so pages when everything stops for some investigating and a long, dull trial to finally resolve things. For those reasons, and Lysistrata's maddening problem of not being able to stay put (really - into the jungle all by yourself?), I'm going to have to chop one star off my rating and leave it at three stars.
The girl: Lysistrata Herriot and her father arrive in Rangoon where he's accepted a doctoring position at the local hospital. There is some scandal of sorts that led Lysistrata (what a name!) and her father to leave family and Boston behind with little money in their pocketbooks or clothes on their backs. Our heroine has a mind of her own, and doesn't follow society's strictest guidelines; she takes a while to shed her plain exterior and shine in the local, restrictive British community. But when she does, oh does she shine and catches all the young males in her web.
The guy: Richard Harley is a mix of east and west, and from the wrong side of the blanket to boot. British society only tolerates him for his
Well, I won't spoil, but things happen and our hero is framed for murder and high-tails it out of town to his palace in northern Burma; but he's got to save our heroine from a sticky wicket first and then there's no easy way to get her back to her father, besides the fact he believes she's the cause of his current difficulties and wants a bit of revenge.
"She owed him a very large debt - which he would take out of her beautiful, bitchy hide."
Well, fasten your seatbelts for a wild, bumpy ride through the Burmese jungle. Elephants, a tiger, rickety bridges over deep ravines that don't always hold up a person's weight. Snakes, monkeys and other primates, bugs, sore backsides, death defying shoot outs (or the occasional poison dart) with the resident baddies. And once they get to this magical palace you'd think everything is safe and secure for the eventual jungle loving you know is going to happen, 'cause we've got a 'housekeeper' that hates our heroine on site and there's a crazy woman in the west wing of the tower, and gosh knows what all else happens but it does. Oh, and three women in the harem section...
Wow, this was an unputdownable solid four star read for me until the final 150 or so pages when everything stops for some investigating and a long, dull trial to finally resolve things. For those reasons, and Lysistrata's maddening problem of not being able to stay put (really - into the jungle all by yourself?), I'm going to have to chop one star off my rating and leave it at three stars.
July 10, 2017
The exotic time and place is what makes this an exceptional read. I felt transported, and the descriptions of the time, place and different cultures were what kept me going through this book, especially during times when the romance was frustrating.
Lysistrata is a plucky heroine, and I liked her on her own merits. Richard/Ram is a compelling hero, who is half British, half Indian (rajput). I liked them both separately, but together there was a constant push and pull that felt like a roller coaster ride. The true hero seemed to be Harry Armistead, who was honorable and kind. He loved the heroine freely without wanting or trying to change her.
Little time is spent inside the characters heads, which oftentimes made it difficult to understand motives behind actions. The so-called rape scenes were written as moments of mutual passion that was called rape afterwards. It just seemed to be a term loosely and freely used. Ultimately, the character development felt lacking in comparison to the locale details.
I enjoyed this overall, and I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to read about a new location.
Lysistrata is a plucky heroine, and I liked her on her own merits. Richard/Ram is a compelling hero, who is half British, half Indian (rajput). I liked them both separately, but together there was a constant push and pull that felt like a roller coaster ride. The true hero seemed to be Harry Armistead, who was honorable and kind. He loved the heroine freely without wanting or trying to change her.
Little time is spent inside the characters heads, which oftentimes made it difficult to understand motives behind actions. The so-called rape scenes were written as moments of mutual passion that was called rape afterwards. It just seemed to be a term loosely and freely used. Ultimately, the character development felt lacking in comparison to the locale details.
I enjoyed this overall, and I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to read about a new location.
August 3, 2014
A Love Story in 19th century Burma and a Wild Ride!
Set in Rangoon in the era of Queen Victoria, it tells the story of Lysistrata Herriott who travels with her doctor father from Boston to the other side of the world—a place where she could escape her relatives and her past. From the very beginning of the story, we know Lysistrata is fearless when she takes off with the locals in a strange country. She is also courageous and altruistic, becoming a nurse in the hospital where people of color are treated for cholera.
In Rangoon, Lysistrata meets the other Europeans and witnesses the racial discrimination that exists around her, for Rangoon is a place of many cultures: Burmese, Indian, Chinese and, of course, the British.
Richard Harley (“Ram Kachwaha” to the Burmese) is an enigma, the son of an English nobleman and an Indian princess, who his father captured but never wed. Handsome and rich, Harley is accepted into the European society, but he maintains his ties to the other side and observes his boundaries. He wants Lysistrata, but knows he cannot have her in the public’s eye. And because he does not want to love her, he treats her as if he doesn’t care, that is until he captures her and takes her to his palace deep in the jungle, where he tells her she may leave only when he is dead. But Lysistrata is intent on escape…
This story has an intricate plot that brings you into the exotic world of Burma: Rangoon and its other cities, the teaming jungles, its diverse culture and its wild rivers. As Harley takes Lysistrata to his palace, they encounter perilous paths, thugs and wild beasts. You’ll feel the heat, experience the monsoon season and climb treacherous mountain passes. It has great action scenes and a courtroom drama near the end that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lysistrata is a very worthy heroine, and Harley is a mysterious figure who intrigues. The dialog is brilliant, and there are some wonderful one-liners. One of my favorites is uttered by Lysistrata when, in a humorous mood, she tries to discredit Harley after she has had a bit too much to drink: “Any man who filches women is bound to cheat at cards.”
It’s is a long book (464 pages) but the story kept me turning pages. Not quite as coherent as STORMFIRE, it is nevertheless marvelous. (I wanted a list of characters, a map and a glossary for all the foreign terms that were not defined.) If you want to experience Burma in the late 19th century, this book will take you there. I recommend it.
Set in Rangoon in the era of Queen Victoria, it tells the story of Lysistrata Herriott who travels with her doctor father from Boston to the other side of the world—a place where she could escape her relatives and her past. From the very beginning of the story, we know Lysistrata is fearless when she takes off with the locals in a strange country. She is also courageous and altruistic, becoming a nurse in the hospital where people of color are treated for cholera.
In Rangoon, Lysistrata meets the other Europeans and witnesses the racial discrimination that exists around her, for Rangoon is a place of many cultures: Burmese, Indian, Chinese and, of course, the British.
Richard Harley (“Ram Kachwaha” to the Burmese) is an enigma, the son of an English nobleman and an Indian princess, who his father captured but never wed. Handsome and rich, Harley is accepted into the European society, but he maintains his ties to the other side and observes his boundaries. He wants Lysistrata, but knows he cannot have her in the public’s eye. And because he does not want to love her, he treats her as if he doesn’t care, that is until he captures her and takes her to his palace deep in the jungle, where he tells her she may leave only when he is dead. But Lysistrata is intent on escape…
This story has an intricate plot that brings you into the exotic world of Burma: Rangoon and its other cities, the teaming jungles, its diverse culture and its wild rivers. As Harley takes Lysistrata to his palace, they encounter perilous paths, thugs and wild beasts. You’ll feel the heat, experience the monsoon season and climb treacherous mountain passes. It has great action scenes and a courtroom drama near the end that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lysistrata is a very worthy heroine, and Harley is a mysterious figure who intrigues. The dialog is brilliant, and there are some wonderful one-liners. One of my favorites is uttered by Lysistrata when, in a humorous mood, she tries to discredit Harley after she has had a bit too much to drink: “Any man who filches women is bound to cheat at cards.”
It’s is a long book (464 pages) but the story kept me turning pages. Not quite as coherent as STORMFIRE, it is nevertheless marvelous. (I wanted a list of characters, a map and a glossary for all the foreign terms that were not defined.) If you want to experience Burma in the late 19th century, this book will take you there. I recommend it.
March 7, 2011
Lysistrata travels with her father who is a doctor to take position at the Queen’s Rangoon hospital. She is very intelligent but rather plain looking girl. She tries to help her dad at the hospital but is refused by the head doctor saying that it is no place for women. She befriends a lady that decides to transform her by dressing her up in new clothes and presenting her to the English Rangoon society. On the first social event she attends she stumbles on Ram while he is having tête-à-tête with one of the married ladies. Lysistrata is extremely sensual creature, although it starts off as her being rather plain, I did enjoy her company a lot and I was happy for her HEA.
Ram is very mysterious character. He is the child of a princess and an English captain and has a foot in both worlds. Of course he is every woman’s dream, except our heroine, at least at the beginning
The dialogue is the best ever imho, I though Lysistrata to be one of the most interesting female characters. The book was very strong at the beginning, it would have been my favorite if it continued in the same style as it started but I had a problem with two things - the hero’s feelings and the lack of expressing them to our heroine and the story was a bit confusing. The hero holds heroine responsible for what happened to him even though it was almost impossible that she can set him up for anything like that. Also it is a good description of Rangoon for those interested in the daily lives during that period.
Ram is very mysterious character. He is the child of a princess and an English captain and has a foot in both worlds. Of course he is every woman’s dream, except our heroine, at least at the beginning
The dialogue is the best ever imho, I though Lysistrata to be one of the most interesting female characters. The book was very strong at the beginning, it would have been my favorite if it continued in the same style as it started but I had a problem with two things - the hero’s feelings and the lack of expressing them to our heroine and the story was a bit confusing. The hero holds heroine responsible for what happened to him even though it was almost impossible that she can set him up for anything like that. Also it is a good description of Rangoon for those interested in the daily lives during that period.
June 24, 2017
Passion and Love in Colonial Burma
Passion leads two very different lovers from the glittering ballrooms of British colonial Burma and the vividly colourful backstreets of native Rangoon to a fabled and resplendent palace deep in the mountains of Northern Burma. The heroine, Lysistrata Herriot, has left the Puritan society of Boston and the disillusionment of a love affair gone bad to start a new life in Rangoon where her father is to become chief surgeon at the British Queen Anne's hospital. She is introduced into the select ranks of British colonial society where she meets the attractive and elusive Richard Harley, a man with a mysterious background and somewhat shady business dealings. Battling not only her own heart but also racial prejudice she is soon embroiled in colonial politics and a plot to destroy Harley's reputation as a successful tradesman. Out of revenge Harley, now turned into Prince Ram Kachwaha abducts her to his mountain palace, built by his father, an English officer for his mistress, an Indian princess. Though their nights are filled with passion Lysistrata will not surrender her heart and Ram decides to send her back to Rangoon as he acknowledges the futility of wishing for a future together. But Lysistrata is captured by an old enemy of Ram's and although he succeeds in saving her life he is severely wounded and taken prisoner by the British who intend to make a scapegoat out of him for a failed mission. Lysistrata, finally recognizing her love for Ram tries everything to aid him in the trial...
I have to say this is one of my favourite historical romances of all time. Monson manages to weave in historical details of British colonial rule and vivid depictions of Burmese culture seemingly effortlessly into the flow of her narrative. I do not feel, as other readers have, that the story drags in the middle; I think it helps to understand the development of the two main characters better. Lysistrata, though already an independent, outspoken and striking heroine finds her feet while working as a nurse among the poorest of Burmese society during a cholera epidemic while Richard's efforts to stem the advance of the British into his country give depth to his character. His role as the "Noble Savage" is tempered by his political cunning, his ruthlessness and the fact that he is involved in the drug trade. Though Lysistrata's fascination by the "Otherness" of Richard/Ram might be viewed as clichéd it is balanced by the fact that he is equally fascinated by this courageous woman who does not crumble at his princely feet at the slightest touch; and they are both aware that part of their mutual fascination arises from their alterity. Before they make passionate and wild love they talk and fence with words but also learn each other's thoughts and feelings. While Ram realizes from the beginning that their relationship is as doomed as the future of an independent Burma and views their love affair as stolen moments in time it takes Lysistrata much longer to own up to her feelings and realize the inevitable end.
It is seldom that a romance author succeeds to imbue her tale with such subtle racial and colonial critique; it is never blatant but woven into the fabric of the story.
Also, the secondary characters are divers and well-developed. All in all one of the most passionate and poignant love stories I have ever read; it lingers in the mind for a long time.
Passion leads two very different lovers from the glittering ballrooms of British colonial Burma and the vividly colourful backstreets of native Rangoon to a fabled and resplendent palace deep in the mountains of Northern Burma. The heroine, Lysistrata Herriot, has left the Puritan society of Boston and the disillusionment of a love affair gone bad to start a new life in Rangoon where her father is to become chief surgeon at the British Queen Anne's hospital. She is introduced into the select ranks of British colonial society where she meets the attractive and elusive Richard Harley, a man with a mysterious background and somewhat shady business dealings. Battling not only her own heart but also racial prejudice she is soon embroiled in colonial politics and a plot to destroy Harley's reputation as a successful tradesman. Out of revenge Harley, now turned into Prince Ram Kachwaha abducts her to his mountain palace, built by his father, an English officer for his mistress, an Indian princess. Though their nights are filled with passion Lysistrata will not surrender her heart and Ram decides to send her back to Rangoon as he acknowledges the futility of wishing for a future together. But Lysistrata is captured by an old enemy of Ram's and although he succeeds in saving her life he is severely wounded and taken prisoner by the British who intend to make a scapegoat out of him for a failed mission. Lysistrata, finally recognizing her love for Ram tries everything to aid him in the trial...
I have to say this is one of my favourite historical romances of all time. Monson manages to weave in historical details of British colonial rule and vivid depictions of Burmese culture seemingly effortlessly into the flow of her narrative. I do not feel, as other readers have, that the story drags in the middle; I think it helps to understand the development of the two main characters better. Lysistrata, though already an independent, outspoken and striking heroine finds her feet while working as a nurse among the poorest of Burmese society during a cholera epidemic while Richard's efforts to stem the advance of the British into his country give depth to his character. His role as the "Noble Savage" is tempered by his political cunning, his ruthlessness and the fact that he is involved in the drug trade. Though Lysistrata's fascination by the "Otherness" of Richard/Ram might be viewed as clichéd it is balanced by the fact that he is equally fascinated by this courageous woman who does not crumble at his princely feet at the slightest touch; and they are both aware that part of their mutual fascination arises from their alterity. Before they make passionate and wild love they talk and fence with words but also learn each other's thoughts and feelings. While Ram realizes from the beginning that their relationship is as doomed as the future of an independent Burma and views their love affair as stolen moments in time it takes Lysistrata much longer to own up to her feelings and realize the inevitable end.
It is seldom that a romance author succeeds to imbue her tale with such subtle racial and colonial critique; it is never blatant but woven into the fabric of the story.
Also, the secondary characters are divers and well-developed. All in all one of the most passionate and poignant love stories I have ever read; it lingers in the mind for a long time.
August 4, 2019
I LOVE Monson's stories and style.
Ram and Lysistrata are passionate, original and interesting. The plot is romantic and at the same time lively, full of action and surprises. Even tragic sometimes...
I declare myself a complete addict to this author. The sad point is that I always remember that Monson committed suicide and I cannot evade this circumstance which - for me - spins around her books giving them a very special veneer.
I have been to Myanmar and I love that country, the city (today Yangon), and the sweet, compassionate, elegant Burmese people.
Monson transmits perfectly that fantastic atmosphere and the opportunity it represents for Lysistrata. She wanted to leave the puritanical and fundamentalist atmosphere in Boston (I understand her!) starting afresh in a new place where the dreams become possible and she reaches her goal. What a great companion Ram is! Lucky her!
Ram and Lysistrata are passionate, original and interesting. The plot is romantic and at the same time lively, full of action and surprises. Even tragic sometimes...
I declare myself a complete addict to this author. The sad point is that I always remember that Monson committed suicide and I cannot evade this circumstance which - for me - spins around her books giving them a very special veneer.
I have been to Myanmar and I love that country, the city (today Yangon), and the sweet, compassionate, elegant Burmese people.
Monson transmits perfectly that fantastic atmosphere and the opportunity it represents for Lysistrata. She wanted to leave the puritanical and fundamentalist atmosphere in Boston (I understand her!) starting afresh in a new place where the dreams become possible and she reaches her goal. What a great companion Ram is! Lucky her!
August 21, 2022
3.75 stars. Read this for Regan Walker’s Historical Romance Review blog, August is exotic locale month. This is a well written book. The first half was a little slow (so 3 - 3.5 stars) and I have to say neither the H or the h particularly resonated with me. I liked them both, but the herione I got more than the Hero who I really didn’t see as leaping off the pages. Lots of good secondary characters. The plot was decent and there is a lot of descriptive writing about Rangoon, the jungle, Burma etc., which was good and set the scene quite a bit. The second half of the book really picks up, a good 4 stars, we see much more of the couple and the plot really took off and there’s lots of action. Guessed the villian at the end, who really didn’t get any comeuppance. The final ending was a little drawn out, but boom last pg. or so all tied up.
October 20, 2010
4.5 stars. This is one of those books I read ages ago but it stood up well on a re-read a couple of years ago. It's the first book I ever read with anal sex in it - I don't think I even understood that at the time though! Very angsty, with an unusual setting.
July 22, 2023
In her sophomore novel, Christine Monson tones down the abusiveness of her anti-hero against her heroine, but, as in "Stormfire," delivers an absorbing love story set against a vivid historical background. Here, it is 1870s colonial Burma (present-day Myanmar). The ironically named Lysistrata Herriott and her doctor father have come to one of the farthest shores of the British Empire to start over after enduring genteel poverty in post-Civil War Boston. Outspoken and intelligent and fascinated by the customs and people of her new home, Lysistrata rubs the British colonial gentry the wrong way. She also rubs against Richard Harley, a half-Anglo, half-Indian entrepreneur who is something of a double-agent for the British. Eventually--and this is the one rushed note of Monson's plotting, which happens fairly abruptly--Lysistrata's questioning of authority brings her into conflict with the powers that be, which results in danger and involves Richard. But does he save her or is she in fact in store for even more trouble? Hair-raising adventures, intense romantic tension, political machinations, and a climactic courtroom drama all mark "Rangoon." As with "Stormfire," her debut novel, which has gone down in history as one of the most notorious bodice rippers of its kind, "Rangoon" packs a lot between its covers, brimming with confidence in its prose, and in its sustained tension between the leads.
May 16, 2023
4 stars just for the writing and scenic views but the plot and the characters were just an utter failure for me.
July 31, 2020
It's a good sign when immediately on finishing a romance, I go back to retrace just the parts where the H and h interact directly, from first meeting onward. Their conversation is what's critical, not just later love scenes but the dance that leads up to them. On first sighting, one can feel the sizzle between Lysistrata and Richard Harley (the hero's identity in British circles), she like a moth to the flame of his exotic looks and aura of mystery, he though equally intrigued, reluctant to engage since an unmarried American woman of poor but good family is off limits to a half caste (English and East Indian) in 19th century British Burma, no matter how wealthy or well connected he is.
Harley's cool reason is overcome step wise by Lysistrata's emotional drive to cast aside convention and the need he senses in her for sexual admiration to repair previous damage to her wounded pride. When through villainous third parties and misunderstandings each feels betrayed by the other, they take turns being cruel while not escaping the erotic attraction that keeps them bound. The hero's eastern identity as Ram, autocratic ruler of a private palace is a sensualist and fatalist who cannot let Lysistrata go after buying her from a slave market though he realizes she will likely be the cause of his destruction. And when she takes her freedom but needs his help escaping the worse dilemma in which she puts herself, he makes a sacrifice that may prove fatal. Lysistrata is aghast that she has ended up punishing Ram for not saying he loves her when love underlay his sacrifice. Pregnant with their child, she exerts her utmost to save him from hanging by British courts, framed for crimes he did not commit. They achieve their well earned happy ending after various trials by fire, healing each other's wounds whether inflicted by self, each other or outside forces.
The setting in Burma from British expatriate high society to rural jungle and cloud "castle" is fresh and exotic and Monson's descriptions are so good one savors not skips over her background shadings. Secondary characters are exceptionally well drawn in equally pithy fashion. What a shame that this author had such personal angst that she ended her life early because she could have easily ranked alongside Diana Gabaldon in success once her writing ability became better known. By hindsight, perhaps the unhappiness in her own life is what gave her plots and characters the dark edge that makes them so compelling...
Harley's cool reason is overcome step wise by Lysistrata's emotional drive to cast aside convention and the need he senses in her for sexual admiration to repair previous damage to her wounded pride. When through villainous third parties and misunderstandings each feels betrayed by the other, they take turns being cruel while not escaping the erotic attraction that keeps them bound. The hero's eastern identity as Ram, autocratic ruler of a private palace is a sensualist and fatalist who cannot let Lysistrata go after buying her from a slave market though he realizes she will likely be the cause of his destruction. And when she takes her freedom but needs his help escaping the worse dilemma in which she puts herself, he makes a sacrifice that may prove fatal. Lysistrata is aghast that she has ended up punishing Ram for not saying he loves her when love underlay his sacrifice. Pregnant with their child, she exerts her utmost to save him from hanging by British courts, framed for crimes he did not commit. They achieve their well earned happy ending after various trials by fire, healing each other's wounds whether inflicted by self, each other or outside forces.
The setting in Burma from British expatriate high society to rural jungle and cloud "castle" is fresh and exotic and Monson's descriptions are so good one savors not skips over her background shadings. Secondary characters are exceptionally well drawn in equally pithy fashion. What a shame that this author had such personal angst that she ended her life early because she could have easily ranked alongside Diana Gabaldon in success once her writing ability became better known. By hindsight, perhaps the unhappiness in her own life is what gave her plots and characters the dark edge that makes them so compelling...
December 3, 2014
synopsis:
lysistrata and her father have come to rangoon to get away from boston and the rumours that abounded there. they are poor, and her father is a doctor. when lysistrata meets richard, she asks him to dance, but he tells her that he doesn't. when she wanders through the garden later at the same party, she comes upon richard and the wives of an important personage dancing. embarassed, lysistrata runs away, but richard comes after her. he kisses her to stop her from telling anyone. they keep running into each other, and unbeknownst to lysistrata, richard is part of the revolution in burma. she is kidnapped, richard thinks that she left on purpose to get revenge on him...misunderstandings abound.
what i liked: the descriptions of rangoon, both the clean, perfect british side and the native burmese side. i liked that lysistrata did what was right for her characters with no hesitation, no matter what other people thought of her. i liked that richard was drawn to her in spite of himself, not because it was advantageous or she was so beautiful that she stopped his heart. i liked that he came to see the good in her, and tried to make a sacrifice for her.
what i didn't like: not a lot. warning, though, this is a bodice ripper, so indescriminate sex and un-pc moments abound.
lysistrata and her father have come to rangoon to get away from boston and the rumours that abounded there. they are poor, and her father is a doctor. when lysistrata meets richard, she asks him to dance, but he tells her that he doesn't. when she wanders through the garden later at the same party, she comes upon richard and the wives of an important personage dancing. embarassed, lysistrata runs away, but richard comes after her. he kisses her to stop her from telling anyone. they keep running into each other, and unbeknownst to lysistrata, richard is part of the revolution in burma. she is kidnapped, richard thinks that she left on purpose to get revenge on him...misunderstandings abound.
what i liked: the descriptions of rangoon, both the clean, perfect british side and the native burmese side. i liked that lysistrata did what was right for her characters with no hesitation, no matter what other people thought of her. i liked that richard was drawn to her in spite of himself, not because it was advantageous or she was so beautiful that she stopped his heart. i liked that he came to see the good in her, and tried to make a sacrifice for her.
what i didn't like: not a lot. warning, though, this is a bodice ripper, so indescriminate sex and un-pc moments abound.
March 21, 2023
Not as well known as Stormfire, Rangoon by Christine Monson (1985) is an exotic tale of sizzling passion set in Burma with the author’s known skill of creating a dark edge to her characters and plots. Lysistrata is an independent, headstrong American who works as a nurse among the poor, and Richard/Ram is a wealthy man of mixed heritage trying to stem the tide of British colonial rule. With vivid descriptions of local culture this romance is a trial by fire until they both have their happily ever after.
Lush wraparound cover by Pino, and yes, there were crocodiles in the book.
Lush wraparound cover by Pino, and yes, there were crocodiles in the book.
July 13, 2016
I read this book as a teenager and enjoyed it. Revisiting it as an adult to see if I still enjoy it.
I did enjoy it as an adult, but it's a bit of a guilty pleasure? The people and culture of Myanmar (Burma, as it was called then) are well depicted but the various ethnic groups aren't differentiated between and the whole thing is kind of steeped in a colonialism that makes me wince now.
I did enjoy it as an adult, but it's a bit of a guilty pleasure? The people and culture of Myanmar (Burma, as it was called then) are well depicted but the various ethnic groups aren't differentiated between and the whole thing is kind of steeped in a colonialism that makes me wince now.
February 18, 2009
Hmmm, bad cover for a bad book...but at least it contains some Myanmar/Burma history.
January 6, 2010
I loved this book! Gave it an A+
January 5, 2013
Couldn't even get past the first 10 pages. Book was so boring and held no appeal to me at all. From what I did read of the 2 main characters, they were boring and dull.
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