Imperial Woman

The Story of the Last Empress of China

By: Pearl S. Buck

Narrated by: Kirsten Potter

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

And so my mom was right!

My mother spoke of 2 of her favorite books and this was one of them. Now it is one of mine. So well written, as expected from this author, and full of historical intrigue.

recomended before visiting china

heard the story prior to my visit to China was very informative and moving

History made interesting

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, interesting peroid in Chinese history, fasinating culture and people.

Any additional comments?

Went out and rented "The Last Emperor" just to see the clothing described in the book.

Wonderful journey!

I read most of Pearl S. Bucks' books in my youth. She was one of my favorite writers back then. I feel that reading her work deepened me and gave me so much to think about at the time that I may not have otherwise.

This was one of her books that I had not read before and I am so glad to have discovered it now in my older years. The woman definitely had an amazing talent for bringing the reader into another interestingly different time and place in an authentic manner.

The narrator was wonderful and I will be searching out her other performances.

Riveting and Fascinating

This is the 2nd time in a couple of years that I’ve listened to this audio book. Pearl Buck’s descriptions and understanding of Chinese culture is so incredibly interesting to me. In many ways, it was so much more refined, intricate and complicated, compared to western culture.
I feel as though I’ve just been on an incredible journey to a China that no longer exists, and I’ve left dear friends behind.