Reserved for... :p


Back cover:
From the acclaimed author of Rice and Raise the Red Lantern comes a chilling yet enormously entertaining story about a pampered and naïve fourteen-year-old prince who, after the sudden death of his father, finds himself in the unlikely position of lord and ruler over an entire nation. A boy of few talents and limited interests he grows drunk on his own power and delights in wielding an iron fist with his subjects.
Narrated in retrospect by the ex-sovereign, My Life as Emperor is a mesmerizing tale of cruelty and decadence, of concubines and eunuchs, of lethal imperial rivalries and intrigue. It is not only a fascinating glimpse into the soul of China but a timeless story of power and corruption that will be read by generations to come.


I enjoyed reading this, the story is beautifully written and translated, and very readable. Even though the main character (Duanbai) wasn't exactly likeable (though it gets better at the end). He is rather spoiled, whimsical and cruel.. but still, you can't help feeling sorry for him as well. He is trapped in this life he never wanted, sort of helpless and ruled by his grandmother (who is the actual ruler of the empire).
His life takes some unexpected twists (I guess for the better for him), but the ending was very tragic.

On its way to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean :p (as part of the Asian First Page VBB raffle). Hope you like your surprise book. :)

A lovely surprise arrived in my mailbox yesterday. This was the raffle book that I'd won from ApoloniaX's Asian First Pages VBB. Thank you very much, Tsjara, for sending it, along with the interesting postcard (a photo of Rotterdam from 1870) and the teas!

This novel is relatively short but powerful. It follows the life of a boy, a fifth son who unexpectedly becomes emperor and grows into manhood manipulated by those who surround him. The main character and many of the others are unlikable, but the author is good at showing how circumstances had shaped their personalities. Many parts of this book are unpleasant and disturbing but it was a very compelling read in other ways.

Thanks again, Tsjara, for sending this book to Canada. I'm sorry it had taken me so long to read it. I will now try to find another reader for it.

I left this book on the lending bookshelf at the Timeless Cafe, where I had an excellent lunch today!