The Russian Concubine

· Penguin
4.6
7 reviews
Ebook
528
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

A sweeping novel set in war-torn 1928 China, with a star-crossed love story at its center.

In a city full of thieves and Communists, danger and death, spirited young Lydia Ivanova has lived a hard life. Always looking over her shoulder, the sixteen-year-old must steal to feed herself and her mother, Valentina, who numbered among the Russian elite until Bolsheviks murdered most of them, including her husband. As exiles, Lydia and Valentina have learned to survive in a foreign land.

Often, Lydia steals away to meet with the handsome young freedom fighter Chang An Lo. But they face danger: Chiang Kai Shek's troops are headed toward Junchow to kill Reds like Chang, who has in his possession the jewels of a tsarina, meant as a gift for the despot's wife. The young pair's all-consuming love can only bring shame and peril upon them, from both sides. Those in power will do anything to quell it. But Lydia and Chang are powerless to end it.

Ratings and reviews

4.6
7 reviews
A Google user
February 3, 2012
This was one of my favorite books. I really loved it a lot. I was unable to put it down the moment I started reading it. I'm a little disappointed that the author is moving into a new genre that does not focus on Russian historical novels but instead on south-east Asia. I have now decided after reading a few pages of her new "white pearl" set in Malaya that it's maybe even better than the Russian concubine. Hmm..which I really LOVE LOVE the Russian Concubine. Kate Furnivall is a terrific writer, and really knows her history !!
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Nawzad Abdullah
March 31, 2020
it was simply wonderful, full of history, excitement, romance and a dollop of sadnes
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About the author

Kate Furnivall was born in Wales and currently lives in Devon, England. Married and the mother of two sons, she has working in publishing and television advertising. She drew inspiration for The Russian Concubine from her mother’s experiences as a White Russian refugee in China.

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