Torn from her family. Destined to become the most desired courtesan in China.

A seductive and evocative debut that opens the doors on life as a Chinese courtesan in the Peach Blossom Pavilion...

Behind the doors of the pavilion, a world of sensuality and intrigue awaits...

Falsely accused of murder, Xiang Xiang's father is executed, and her mother forced into a Buddhist nunnery. Xiang Xiang, alone and friendless at thirteen years old, is tricked into entering the Peach Blossom Pavilion, where she is given the name Bao Lan - Precious Orchid.

There she is trained in the fine arts of womanhood, studying music, literature, painting, and more importantly, the art of seduction and pleasuring men; and becomes one of China's most successful courtesans.

However, Precious Orchid is determined to avenge her parents and sets out on a journey that includes passion, adventure, danger, fame, and finally, her chance to achieve the justice she has sought so long.

An enchanting tale of opulence and desire, perfect for fans of Anchee Min and Memoirs of a Geisha.

About the Author

Mingmei Yip was born in China, received her PhD from the University of Paris, Sorbonne, and held faculty appointments at the Chinese University and Baptist University in Hong Kong. She published five books in Chinese, and has written for major Hong Kong newspapers. She has appeared on over forty TV and radio shows in Hong Kong,Taiwan, China and the USA. She immigrated to the United States in 1992, and now resides in Manhattan. Visit her at www.Mingmeiyip.com.

Reviews

'Memoirs of a Geisha but with a sharper, more suspenseful pace' Powell's Books

'A guilty pleasure...enjoy the exotic location and characters... This is a large, luscious box of chocolates' RTBook (4 star review)

'Beautifully written, readers will not be able to put this book down until the last page is turned' Romance Review Today

Book Information
ISBN 9780007570126
Author Mingmei Yip
Format Paperback
Page Count 432
Imprint AVON, a division of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 310g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 28mm