My loving second cousin recently gifted me her extensive library. Here is one such gem:
Copyrighted 1956.
If you are a book lover, you MUST read “In Defense of the Novel” by Sterling North (above, back cover).
Snowflake Summaries
One-Sentence Summary
Imperial Woman by Pearl S. Buck chronicles the extraordinary life of Empress Dowager Cixi, tracing her rise from a low-ranking concubine to one of China’s most powerful and controversial rulers during the turbulent final years of the Qing Dynasty.
One-Paragraph Summary
Pearl S. Buck’s Imperial Woman offers a vivid and intimate portrayal of Tzu Hsi, later known as Empress Dowager Cixi, who begins her life as a concubine to the Xianfeng Emperor and, through intelligence and determination, ascends to become the de facto ruler of China. The novel explores her manipulation of palace intrigues, her fierce efforts to protect the Qing Dynasty from internal rebellion and external pressures, and the personal sacrifices she makes to wield power in a patriarchal society. Buck presents Tzu Hsi as a complex figure, combining ruthless ambition with deep loyalty to her country, while vividly depicting the cultural and political upheavals of 19th-century China.
One-Page Summary
In Imperial Woman, Pearl S. Buck brings to life the compelling story of Tzu Hsi, who rises from obscurity as a teenage concubine to become Empress Dowager Cixi, one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in Chinese history. Set during the waning years of the Qing Dynasty, the novel begins with Tzu Hsi’s entry into the Forbidden City, where her beauty and intelligence quickly distinguish her. She captures the favor of the Xianfeng Emperor and, after his death, uses her cunning and resourcefulness to outmaneuver court rivals and secure her position as regent for her young son. As Empress Dowager, Tzu Hsi navigates palace intrigues, defends the throne against internal and external threats, and grapples with the tension between her loyalty to traditional Chinese values and the demands of modernization. Buck portrays Tzu Hsi as a woman of contradictions—ruthless in her pursuit of power yet deeply committed to preserving China’s sovereignty. The novel delves into her private struggles, including her isolation, the weight of responsibility, and the personal costs of wielding immense power in a male-dominated world. Through richly detailed prose, Buck not only captures the life of a fascinating historical figure but also offers a poignant exploration of leadership, ambition, and resilience amidst one of China’s most turbulent eras.
The Pencil Driven Life 