The Concubine's Daughter

The book was going fine until about page 120 when an Englishman jumps from his mighty ship into somewhere in China to save the heroine. Oh, please. I know this is a novel but to call it historical requires research does it not? The author seems to be indulging in his fantasies. Just read the author's note. I will stick to my books about China by Amy Tan and Lisa See and others who do their homework.

The Concubine's Daughter Pai Kit Fai What a vividly written, well-paced historical novel! After reading the first chapter of The Concubine's Daughter I paused and thought, "Well, okay, the first chapter is supposed to be dramatic, holding the reader's attention, but can this novel maintain both speed of moving the plot and depth of cultural story to hold my interest?" Answer, "Yes, and it goes on without stop." Just when... Read Full Review

"The Concubine's Daughter" is a novel that captured me from the very beginning and never let me go. Nearly flawless writing draws the reader into an exotic world peopled by complex, interesting characters and retains its grip on that reader throughout the book. Pai Kit Fai displays a depth of knowledge with respect to Chinese culture, mores, and the social fabric of society which strengthens the story. She incorporates... Read Full Review

This story spans three generations. A concubine, her daughter who was sold to work on a silk farm and then ultimately her ganddaughter who over came great odds and finally received the happiness both her mother and grandmother worked so hard for. The story truly shows the strength of each of these women in a time and culture who revered women as little more than property. It intertwines Chinese history and culture beautifully... Read Full Review

Yik-Munn, like a vulture, swoops in to purchase Pai-ling, a fifteen year-old girl, whose once prosperous family has fallen upon hard times. As the fourth in line wife of this seventy-two year old man her life is dismal. Pai-Ling was an intelligent well-bred young lady who Yik-Munn was determined to "beat that foolishness out of her and change the insolent light in her eyes to one of gratitude and respect..." The hatred... Read Full Review