Comments on: Review: Katherine, Anchee Min

By: Jodie

Jodie — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 08:39:40 +0000

‘Empress Orchid’ is very good, it’s descriptions feel opulent. It is very sexual and as someone noted above those passages are often rather odd, because the main character starts of as a virgin who must learn how to please as a concubine. So be prepared if you start out with that one.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:14:36 +0000

Thanks for the review! I love asian fiction or books set in an asian country. I don’t think I have ever read any of this author, but I would like to. Not sure which one to start with, though…

By: Lloyd Lofthouse

Lloyd Lofthouse — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:49:52 +0000

I’m sorry. I didn’t mention Min’s first book, “Red Azalea”, her memoir growing up in Mao’s China during The Cultural Revolution. “Red Azalea” came out in 1992, and was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and won the Carl Sandburg Award.

“Red Azalea” is still in print and is used in Asian Studies Departments in US universities (how many universities I don’t know).

By: Lloyd Lofthouse

Lloyd Lofthouse — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:38:43 +0000

“Katherine” and “Wild Ginger” never sold well in the US. However, “Becoming Madame Mao”, “The Empress Orchid” and its sequel, “The Last Empress”, all were National Best Sellers and “The Empress Orchid” was a top-ten finalist for the British Book Awards and sold very well.

For your next read, I suggest starting with “The Empress Orchid”.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:42:25 +0000

I have heard such wonderful things about Anchee Min’s work. I’m definitely interested in reading more of Min’s work like you are (I’ve read several excerpts in various lit classes), but I’m thinking this might be a good one to skip.

By: kay @ Infiniteshelf

kay @ Infiniteshelf — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 19:01:11 +0000

I really need to give a try to Anchee Min’s book – although by your review, I might want to start with another one of her books!

By: bermudaonion (Kathy)

bermudaonion (Kathy) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:46:49 +0000

I’m disappointed to see this didn’t live up to your expectations. The cover is just fabulous,though.

By: zibilee

zibilee — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:32:52 +0000

I read one book by Anchee Min and just hated it. I think it was Empress Orchid, and the story, coupled with the stilted writing really didn’t agree with me. There were also some really bizarre sexual passages that made me uncomfortable. I don’t think that I would try anything by her again, though I have read great reviews of Pearl of China (including yours!) I just don’t think she’s an author for me.

By: Jen - Devourer of Books

Jen - Devourer of Books — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:54:56 +0000

This definitely sounds like a disappointment, especially since I’ve wanted to read more of Anchee Min’s work since reading “Pearl of China” too. Guess I’ll skip this one.

By: Beth F

Beth F — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:10:04 +0000

Oh man, that does sound like a disappointment. And the comparison of lips to potato chips is too funny. On the other hand, it is interesting to see that an author can hone his or her craft over the years. It would be interesting to read her novels in reverse order of publication.