These three novels are perfect jumping-off points for learning more about fascinating and sometimes horrifying periods in Chinese history. All three are large novels that have intricate world building and character development with fast-paced action.
- Recommended by Christine
A queer reimagining of the founding of the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). The future Emperor Taizu was not an aristocrat by birth, instead losing both parents to famine and natural disasters. Parker-Chan takes this already fairytale-like story and adds her own spin with Taizu now Zhu, a girl who has taken on her brother’s destiny and identity. She Who Became the Sun is an epic that will have you turning the pages late into the night. This is the first in a duology. The second book is expected in 2023.
For a non-fiction look at this history, check out The Rise and Fall of the Ming Dynasty by Daniel Faust.
The Rise and Fall of the Ming Dynasty
The Poppy War is the first in a grimdark trilogy based on the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). Like She Who Became the Sun, it’s main protagonist, Rin, is a female. The Poppy War follows Rin from her childhood as a war orphan in a poor province, through her schooling at the country’s premiere military academia and into the subsequent war. The Poppy War features much more magic than either of the other novels on this list, but if you’re into dark, military history, you will probably love this. If you want to read more about the events that influence this novel, Kuang provides an entire recommended reading list.
Her top recommendation is The Rape of Nanking by Iris Chang.
Ken Liu takes us back to the establishment of the Han Dynasty (202 BCE – 9 CE and 25–220 CE). Like the Ming Dynasty, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang, came from the common people. In The Grace of Kings, Ken Liu tells the story of the fall of the previous dynasty and the rise of the rebel Kuni Garu, from streetwise layabout to the halls of power. This is the first of four novels in the Dandelion Dynasty series and as the series progresses, it increasingly focuses on giving women power (I guess that’s the speculative part). Like She Who Became the Sun, there’s little fantasy in this reimagining of history.
Find out more with the video The Great Empire of the Han Dynasty.
The Great Empire Of The Han Dynasty
