China
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China
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Narrated by:
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Andrew Wincott
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Daniel York Loh
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Zheng Xi Yong
About this listen
The internationally best-selling author portrays the great clash of East and West in his new epic: China
China in the 19th century: a proud and ancient empire forbidden to foreigners. The West desires Chinese tea above all other things but lacks the silver to buy it. Instead, Western adventurers resort to smuggling opium in exchange.
The Qing Emperor will not allow his people to sink into addiction. Viceroy Lin is sent to the epicentre of the opium trade, Canton, to stop it. The Opium Wars begin - heralding a period of bloody military defeats, reparations, and one-sided treaties which will become known as the Century of Humiliation.
From Hong Kong to Beijing to the Great Wall, from the exotic wonders of the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, to squalid village huts, the dramatic struggle rages across the Celestial Kingdom. This is the story of the Chinese people, high and low, and the Westerners who came to exploit the riches of their ancient land and culture.
We meet a young village wife struggling with the rigid traditions of her people, Manchu empresses and warriors, powerful eunuchs, fanatical Taiping and Boxer Rebels, savvy Chinese pirates, artists, concubines, scoundrels and heroes, well-intentioned missionaries and the rapacious merchants, diplomats and soldiers of the West. Fortunes will rise and fall, loves will be gained and lost.
This is an unforgettable tale told from both sides of the divide. The clash of worldviews, of culture and heritage, is shown in a kaleidoscope of jaw-dropping set pieces. China is a feat of the imagination that will enthral, instruct and excite, and show us how things once were, and how the turmoil of the 19th century led to modern China's revolution and rebirth.
©2020 Edward Rutherfurd (P)2021 Hodder & Stoughton LimitedListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"The unparallelled master of the historical saga returns, this time, with an eye on China. Beginning with the First Opium War in 1839 and continuing through the present day, Rutherfurd tells a sweeping tale that brings to life a nation's history, traditions and the people who lived through it as if by magic." (Newsweek)
What listeners say about China
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- paul
- 14-05-23
Fantastic
I have loved all Edward Rutherfurd books that are available on audible and thus one was no exception oí was brilliant
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Antony
- 10-09-24
A very enjoyable listen
It was very interesting to learn more about this period of China, and whilst the characters were largely fictional, the events are rooted in history. However, it is also those fictional characters who bring the history to life and draw the listener in to a different time and place. I’m quite sad to have finished!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Cliff
- 24-02-22
I would give it extra stars if I could.
Edward Rutherfurd does it again. If you like long, very detailed historical novels this one is for you. Using three narrators is inspired and they worked together seamlessly.
Rutherfurd doesn't rely on constant explosive action to hold your attention but often builds tension slowly to climatic situations.
I feel I learned much about Chinese history and the Opium trade (and even more about British misrule and arrogance. And that's speaking as a Brit).
If I had any criticisms, they are not worth mentioning.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jdnewey
- 09-06-21
Excellent historical novel
Very enjoyable, and extremely informative, absorbing novel Rutherfurd has the talent to draw beguiling and interesting characters that surprise us. Great book. Long read but I didn't want it to end.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dave Webb
- 30-07-23
Superb historical novel
Loved every minute of this amazingly detailed historical novel…
Fantastic characters who participate in the telling of this piece of history… don’t be put off by the length of the book…
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Catty C
- 05-01-24
Another great Rutherford book
I learned so much from this book, my knowledge of China being almost nil. So appalled at British behaviour in China.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 11-12-21
great insight into Chinese history
I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot about a period of history that I new nothing about. The insight into the British Empires involvement in the opium wars has funnily enough never been part of history classes we are taught in school ! I thought all the characters were really interesting but felt a little frustrated how well things turn out for one of the main characters who epitomises the whole upper class elitism .
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tina Vincent
- 08-08-22
Just loved it!
i 'binge-listened' to this! Oh my goodness what a cracking yarn! I love Rutherfurd's stories! This was the best yet! Can't wait to start another by this author.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 03-07-22
Just love Edward Rutherford books!
What a wonderful way to learn some history with story lines that enhance you imagination.
Looking forward to another ER book soon.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jody
- 20-05-21
Truly Magnificent
Oh my goodness!
Mr Rutherfurd has long been my favourite author. I’m a history buff and he places us in past events in a way that encapsulates and envelopes us, by presenting the narrative through mostly fictional characters in real life situations.
Even with no prior knowledge or love of the subject matter you are drawn in on a journey you won’t forget.
Being a bibliophile this is in my opinion an outstanding tome. The ending was perfection.
The narrators were exceptional.
Much preferred to the previous narrator.
Just as an aside, I wondered why New York has not yet become available in the collection?
It’s a wonderful book and the audible version is much anticipated. Please!!!
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7 people found this helpful