Chosen by: Christina
Location: The Big Bowl, Rosedale Mall
Since this book was set in China, Christina thought it fitting to eat at a Chinese restaurant. Ryan, Jessica T., Michelle, Carolyn, Christina, Angie, myself and Kerry and Ava Appleton were there! Ava was born on Sept. 2nd and is happy and healthy! This is her first meeting.
Well, those of us who finished the book all loved it! It's historical fiction based loosely on the life of Empress Orchid. The struggles of a Chinese woman at that time and what a girl had to endure to be a "wife" of the Emperor is unfathomable. A poor girl, Yehonala from a rural village, auditions to be a royal concubine and ends up being the fourth wife of the Emperor, giving birth to "the last emperor" and rules China for 40 some years as a regent. She has to deal with a disapproving public, six other wives, thousands of concubines, and 2,000 conniving eunichs in the 19th century Forbidden City. A very lonely life. Empress Orchid was a strong woman, sexually ambitious, and intelligent, who tested the boundaries of a wife in her position. She is an inspiration. Christina also brought an actual picture of Orchid, which was pretty cool to put a face with the story. I will definitely recommend this one.
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