This is a fascinating look behind a woman that history has vilified. ( )

First Novel I read about Empress Wu. Prior to that it was only her History. I was very impressed with Shan Sa 's handling of the young womens childhood since very little is known in the hisotrical literature. Excellent -- Recommend it highly to any interested in this genre of Literature. ( )

I'm not sure how she managed it but Shan Sa made this a thoroughly forgettable tale. I was unimpressed with her previous book, The Girl Who Played Go, but thought that the subject of this book was too interesting not to be worth the quick read. Although not a bad book it was a disappointment and the Sa used up her last chance with me. Life is too short for blah books. ( )

This book chronicles the life of Empress Wu Zetian from the time of her birth to her death at age 80. Shan Sa has certainly done her research, which certainly adds to the story. The Empress tells of the great poverty after her father's death, her service as a "Talented One", a monk, wife to the Emperor, and finally, as the Empress. The story is fairly interesting, but seems very heavily focused on the Empress's many personal and sexual relationships, both male and female, which I was not expecting when I picked this up. The story also can drag a bit when talking about events and what was taken to each event - like the horses, carriages, servants, etc. As long as one can overlook and trudge through these parts of the story, the rest can be somewhat fulfilling. However, be forewarned that this book can hinge on being very depressing as the Empress has a roller coaster of emotions throughout the book and one can at the same time sympathize with her and be appalled at her. Despite her being seen as a Goddess and a link to the divine, she realizes she is human and the reader gets to view this as well

Shan Sa has a good use of language and articulates the life of the Empress very well. ( )

one of those books I bought for the cover. I did Not appreciate the writing style at all. I didn't finish it. a friend is reading it now and I will be interested to hear her comments. ( )