Hello Bookish Friends,
How Are You Today ?
I’m really excited to be taking part in the
Book Tour of, Tales of Ming Courtesans, by Alice Poon
which is being hosted by HFBT!
Tales of Ming Courtesans
by Alice Poon
Publication Date: June 1, 2020
Earnshaw Books
Paperback; 354 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
From the author of The Green Phoenix comes a riveting tale of female friendship, honor, and sacrifice for love, set in 17th Century China and featuring the intertwined stories of three of the era’s most renowned courtesans, escorts skilled in music, poetry and painting who could decide themselves whether or not to offer patrons bed favors.
Inspired by literary works and folklore, Tales of Ming Courtesans traces the destinies of the three girls from the seamy world of human trafficking and slavery to the cultured scene of the famously decadent pleasure district of the city of Nanjing, evoking episodes in Memoirs of a Geisha.
The girls all existed – Rushi was a famous poet, Yuanyuan became the concubine of a general who changed the course of Chinese history by supporting the Manchu invasion in 1644 and Xiangjun challenged the corruption of court officials to try to save her lover. Rushi’s daughter, Jingjing, gradually pieces together the stories of the three from a memoir left to her by her mother.
Betrayal, tenacity and hope all come together in a novel that brings to life an important era in China’s history, and particularly highlights the challenges faced by independent-minded women.
Amazon |Barnes and Noble | IndieBound
Praise for Tales of Ming Courtesans
“In Tales of Ming Courtesans, Alice Poon masterfully brings to life three fascinating women who had a lasting impact on China’s culture and history. This beautiful telling of their turbulent lives and devoted friendship is a reverential testament to their memories.” – Kelli Estes, bestselling author of The Girl Who Wrote in Silk
“Tales of Ming Courtesans is a poignant and captivating exploration of the lives of three extraordinary women…. Ultimately an enduring tale of the power of sisterhood and the bonds between women.” – Jeannie Lin, USA Today bestselling author of The Lotus Palace
“Tales of Ming Courtesans is a brilliant, ‘own voices’ alternative to Memoirs of a Geisha….An exquisite reading experience. Highly, highly recommended.” – M. H. Boroson, author of The Girl With Ghost Eyes
“Alice Poon’s excellent Tales of Ming Courtesans follows the intertwined lives of three seventeenth-century courtesans….. Poon’s real achievement is to create believable depth to her characters’ known histories….She has clearly written Tales from the heart.” – David Leffman, author of The Mercenary
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
From the author of The Green Phoenix comes a riveting tale of female friendship, honor, and sacrifice for love. An inspirational tale of strength and fortitude
Alice Poon sets her latest novel in 17th century China and featuring the intertwined stories of three of the era’s most renowned courtesans, Liu Rushi, Chen Yuanyuan,
Li Xiangjun.
Poon brings forth three iconic legendary women in Chinese history.
Their incredible lives are seen through the exquisitely written pages of, Tales of Ming Courtesans. Liu Rushi, Chen Yuanyuan, Li Xiangjun, all had a lasting impact on China’s culture and it’s noble history.
This eloquent saga is steeped in real life historical people, living in the turbulent times in between the Ming, and the Qing dynasties. Where social classes were defined and woman had little or no voice of their own.
Tales of Ming Courtesans, is a richly textured, mesmerising and captivating story that is full of rich history and the most compelling and intriguing characters. The storyline is a thought provoking, fascinating story. A book that is written in such a way that these memorable three women’s history comes to stunning to life.
I can see why this talented author is loved by so many. Poon’s appealing way of weaving fact and fiction, along with her absorbing seamless narration. This is a book that you will find yourself contemplating the lives and struggles of these memorable women, long after you close the book.
A meticulously researched book that captures the historical elements and traditions of the Chinese people. This is a masterpiece of a tale, that depicts the economics and the cultural mind set that was placed on woman during this era. The resilience and the quiet but powerful strength, that these ladies show within the book is nothing short motivational.
The plot twist with betrayals and longing and much heartache. Poon knows how to transport the reader, with her richly descriptive atmospheric imagery. The lush and vibrant, historical world building is stunning. An emotional book that it’s quick paced from start to finish.
Inspired by literary works and folklore, Tales of Ming Courtesan, traces the destinies of the three girls from their young humble beginnings to their awe-inspiring accomplishments.
About the Author
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Alice Poon steeped herself in Chinese poetry and history, Jin Yong’s martial arts novels and English Literature in her school days. This early immersion has inspired her creative writing.
Always fascinated with iconic but unsung women in Chinese history and legends, she cherishes a dream of bringing them to the page.
Her new historical novel Tales of Ming Courtesans will be released by Earnshaw Books on June 1, 2020.
She is the author of The Green Phoenix and the bestselling and award-winning non-fiction title Land and the Ruling Class in Hong Kong. She now lives in Vancouver, Canada and devotes her time to writing historical Chinese fiction.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, May 25
Excerpt at Journey in Bookland
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit
Tuesday, May 26
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Wednesday, May 27
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Friday, May 29
Review at Reader then Blogger
Monday, June 1
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, June 3
Guest Post at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals
Friday, June 5
Review at YA, it’s Lit
Monday, June 8
Interview at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, June 10
Feature at What Is That Book About
Friday, June 12
Review at Passages to the Past
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of Tales from Ming Courtesans! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
Tales of Ming Courtesans
https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js
Gwendalyn’s Books 
Great review, Gwendalyn! I’m so glad that you enjoyed Tales of Ming Courtesans! Thank you for being on the tour!
Amy
HF Virtual Book Tours
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for inviting me to be on this wonderful book tour
LikeLike