Once again one in my collection.
I came to the realization that I don't believe I have actually read this one. It's been sitting on my shelf for a long time.
One of China's most controversial figures in history - its first and only female emperor, Empress Wu - Shan Sa tells the story completely through Empress Wu's eyes - right from her time in the womb to after her death as a "ghost".
I started to understand why I hadn't read this one. While Shan Sa wrote about the period very well, especially things that were recorded as historical events, I feel that she went into TOO much detail. She could have referenced the incest within the royal family without having to go into detail about the feelings it evoked. I found it disturbing to the point that I skipped over huge sections. Yes I understand that these things happened in the past and yes I understand that I will see references to it, but I don't need to hear details. Ewww. As for the rest of the intrigue, descriptions and so on, it was alright.
Maybe it's because the Japanese courts fascinate me more and I am being biased but I found the Chinese courts to be...poor imitations of those that Japanese feudal era. That being said I didn't enjoy this book and would not recommend it.
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