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  • Imperial Woman

  • The Story of the Last Empress of China
  • Written by: Pearl S. Buck
  • Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
  • Length: 17 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (9 ratings)

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Imperial Woman cover art

Imperial Woman

Written by: Pearl S. Buck
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
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Publisher's Summary

The story of Tzu Hsi is the story of the last empress in China. In this audiobook, Pearl S. Buck recreates the life of one of the most intriguing rulers during a time of intense turbulence.

Tzu Hsi was born into one of the lowly ranks of the Imperial dynasty. According to custom, she moved to the Forbidden City at the age of 17 to become one of hundreds of concubines. But her singular beauty and powers of manipulation quickly moved her into the position of Second Consort. Tzu Hsi was feared and hated by many in the court, but adored by the people. The Empress’s rise to power (even during her husband’s life) parallels the story of China’s transition from the ancient to the modern way.

Pearl S. Buck’s knowledge of and fascination with the empress’s life are contagious. She reveals the essence of this self-involved and infamous last empress, at the same time she takes the listener through China’s struggle for freedom and democracy.
©1971 Pearl S. Buck (P)2011 Oasis
Historical Fiction Literary Fiction
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What listeners say about Imperial Woman

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

I would skip it

I love the story of this incredible woman but this rendition was my least favourite. The characters are all very caricatured and rather distasteful.

I would skip this book and go for a biography of the empress.

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Profile Image for Sharron padden

I,perial Woman

Swell written and interesting story. The narrator was excellent and I read it quickly because I couldn’t put it down.

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