by Jung Chang
First published 2013
In 1861, teenage concubine Cixi seizes power in a coup, becoming the true ruler of China. Wielding influence through a veil, she presides over the birth of the modern nation—abolishing foot-binding, championing women's rights, and steering China into the industrial age. But can this ruthless, innovative leader overcome a legacy of scandal and scorn?
Genres: biography, historical-fiction, 20th-century, 19th-century
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-figure, strong-female-lead
Setting: China
Period: 19th century, 1861-1912
496 pages · Paperback · Vintage