I am always fascinated by early Chinese history and rituals, and personally feel that the Qing Dynasty is most captivating of all. So, I was certainly looking forward to reading this historical fiction novel. The history of foot binding, eunuchs, and concubines is all at once vulgar and somehow intriguing. This intrigue stems from my complete bewilderment at how this early culture could deem these practices respectable, and even normal, when they are so completely far from acceptable. With this in mind, I did welcome the author's enlightenment on these topics.
On the other hand, the novel progressed sluggishly, and I struggled to maintain interest throughout. The characterization never quite reached its potential, as I never felt a connection to the individuals, nor did their interpersonal relationships ever seem genuine.
However, Ms. Roberts did do her homework as far the historical aspect, and I really liked how she used embroidery to "weave" the protagonist's way through the decades.
Read 1/27/18
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