Reviews

China by Edward Rutherfurd

leila_scola's review against another edition

adventurous informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

duparker's review against another edition

adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

I wanted to like this book a lot more than I did. I'm not sure if it was the lack of bredth of History which is normally case with these novels, or if it was the fact that there were a lot of things left unresolved but this just didn't click. I think one of the things that normally I find attractive of these books is looking at a space through history, and knowing how much history China has it seemed weird to focus on a 60-year segment. The writing is good in the book overall is fun, but I think I'm used to better and more from the author.

bapollison's review

4.0

I enjoyed the book. I only wish it was more like the other novels he wrote taking place over multiple generations and spanning hundreds of years in stead of such a short period time.

cat_book_lady's review

2.0

Another DNF for me this year, and I really REALLY wanted to enjoy myself with my first Rutherford book by immersing myself in the culture and history of China. Plus, I've read so many phenomenal reviews of his writing, but honestly I got so bored and just couldn't engage or get connected to the characters. At first, I was thoroughly into learning about the opium trade, but somehow the storyline got sidetracked into focusing on peripheral relationships, and it continued to drag on from there. If I have to force myself to finish a book simply because other people love it, then I would never have discovered some other hidden gems. This just is not one of them. Still, I may give Rutherford another chance by picking up one of his novels...this simply may not be one of his better ones.

alyssajcori's review against another edition

4.0

Another great read by my favorite author! I learned a ton about the history of China, its relationship with Western countries, and could not put it down. Highly recommend!

sarahlreadseverything's review against another edition

4.0

As always, massive in scope and such interesting reading.

dawnh's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful informative inspiring tense medium-paced

3.75

gabmc's review

3.0

This is a very well researched historical fiction novel. I have loved previous books by Edward Rutherfurd and really enjoyed this one too. My only criticism is that it was from the points of view of too many Europeans and too few Chinese people. Instead of trying to span such an epic history as China's, the author has selected a more narrow time period from 1839 to 1911. I would love a volume two which encompasses the 2oth and 21st centuries. I was only a little familiar with the Opium wars and the founding of Hong Kong, so I really enjoyed these sections. We meet John Trader, appropriately enough a trader, who started with the East India Company in India and ends up smuggling opium into China. Other characters introduced early on are Mei Ling, a young wife in a poor village, her 'brother' Nio, who ends up becoming a pirate and the missionary Cecil Whiteparish. Many real historical figures are incorporated into the story including Commissioner Lin, Empress Cixi and emperors of the Qing Dynasty. The life of a eunuch within the Forbidden City is explored through the character of 'Lacquer Nail'. I really enjoyed learning about the Taiping Rebellion and the Boxer Rebellion and life in the Forbidden City.

agnieszkakrainska's review

adventurous challenging emotional informative mysterious sad medium-paced

5.0

elwoodradley's review

5.0

What an awesome read. If all of Rutherfurds books are this good, I’m in for a real treat. Lacquer Nail is one of my favorite characters I’ve read in quite some time. Really enjoyed this.