The Concubine of Shanghai
4 journalers for this copy...
From Bookmooch for the 1010 Challenge.
I have just finished the book, will be sent on Monday.
To be read and sent to ApoloniaX for the Asian-themed VBB.
Sent - 16/03
I have just finished the book, will be sent on Monday.
To be read and sent to ApoloniaX for the Asian-themed VBB.
Sent - 16/03
Just received this in the mail, from the Contemporary Asian Literature VBB.Thank you, soffitta!!!
Blurb:
“Sold by her aunt in 1907 to a reputable Shanghai brothel, sixteen-year-old Cassia is plucked from the rank of lowly servant by Master Chang, the fearsome boss of a Triad gang. Chastised by the 'Madame' for leaving her feet and breasts unbound, Cassia nonetheless becomes his favourite mistress and develops a taste for luxurious Living, whilst enjoying her first passionate encounters.
But when Master Chang is brutally murdered, Cassia must fend for herself. Determined to succeed, she seduces the next Triad boss, Huang Peiyu and then his lackey, Yu, fighting to secure her position as the 'Queen of Shanghai', whatever the cost.”
This is a very interesting story about a Chinese woman at the beginning of the 20th century, some kind of a Moll Flanders of the Far East.
I wasn’t very impressed by the writing, sometimes it seemed somehow clumsy. Often the dialogues didn’t sound right. But this might be due to the translation.
Apart from that it was a good read. And what was particularly interesting were the descriptions of the brotherhoods / societies / triads and the bits and pieces about Shanghai history.
“Sold by her aunt in 1907 to a reputable Shanghai brothel, sixteen-year-old Cassia is plucked from the rank of lowly servant by Master Chang, the fearsome boss of a Triad gang. Chastised by the 'Madame' for leaving her feet and breasts unbound, Cassia nonetheless becomes his favourite mistress and develops a taste for luxurious Living, whilst enjoying her first passionate encounters.
But when Master Chang is brutally murdered, Cassia must fend for herself. Determined to succeed, she seduces the next Triad boss, Huang Peiyu and then his lackey, Yu, fighting to secure her position as the 'Queen of Shanghai', whatever the cost.”
This is a very interesting story about a Chinese woman at the beginning of the 20th century, some kind of a Moll Flanders of the Far East.
I wasn’t very impressed by the writing, sometimes it seemed somehow clumsy. Often the dialogues didn’t sound right. But this might be due to the translation.
Apart from that it was a good read. And what was particularly interesting were the descriptions of the brotherhoods / societies / triads and the bits and pieces about Shanghai history.
Journal Entry 4 by 
ApoloniaX
at East Asian VBB, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, August 18, 2010
ApoloniaX at East Asian VBB, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Released 13 yrs ago (8/18/2010 UTC) at East Asian VBB, A Bookbox -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Travelling to Lemon-Crisis
who chose it from the East Asian VBB
Happy reading
My choice from the East Asian VBB round two!
Looks interesting, thanks for sharing it =]
Looks interesting, thanks for sharing it =]
Well, I read this slowly, picking it up every few days to read a chunk. That immediately tells you that it wasn't good enough to make me read it all in one sitting. However it wasn't a bad book, either. It was interesting in it's own way, but it's probably not one I'd bother to re-read.
I agree with ApoloniaX's comment on the writing/dialogue. It did seem a bit odd sometimes.
The story itself was good, and the characters strong. There were a few times when the plot slowed down a bit, but not mind-numbingly.
Overall, a decent read.
I agree with ApoloniaX's comment on the writing/dialogue. It did seem a bit odd sometimes.
The story itself was good, and the characters strong. There were a few times when the plot slowed down a bit, but not mind-numbingly.
Overall, a decent read.
Sent alongside a ring as a RABCK for Libera13. Hope you enjoy! =]
Here it is! Thank you, Lemon-Crisis, for the wishlist book! It was a very nice surprise! :D
