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The Russian Concubine

'Wonderful . . . hugely ambitious and atmospheric' Kate Mosse
3.76 goodreads logo

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( 10,067 ratings, 993 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Russian Concubine tells the story of Lydia Ivanova, a young Russian refugee living in 1920s China, whose life intertwines with that of Chang An Lo, a Chinese revolutionary. Amidst political tensions and cultural divides, their unlikely romance develops, creating a compelling narrative filled with danger, passion, and defiance against societal norms. This captivating historical novel explores themes of survival and love in the face of adversity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you love historical dramas filled with romance, intrigue, and richly drawn characters. Set against the backdrop of 1920s China, it offers a captivating glimpse into a world of social upheaval and cross-cultural tension, focusing on a young woman's struggle for survival and love in a foreign land.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

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

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

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Junchow, China, 1928. Lydia Ivanova has a fierce spirit. Nothing can dim it, not even the foul waters of the Peiho River. Into the river's grime, bodies are tossed – those of thieves and Communists alike. So every time Lydia steals from someone to feed herself and her mother, she takes her life into her own hands.

Lydia's mother, Valentina, numbered among the Russian elite until the Bolsheviks rounded them up. They took her husband, but she managed to buy back her child and bring her to China. But survival is hard. Even though mother and daughter live in the Whites-only settlement, no walls can keep Lydia in. She escapes to meet Chang An Lo, who saves her life once and is bound to her forever.

But Chang has enemies who are hunting him down – Chiang Kai Shek's troops are headed towards Junchow to kill Reds like him. Their all-consuming love can only mean danger for them both, but they are powerless to end it...

The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall weaves a compelling tale of love and survival against the backdrop of a politically tumultuous China.

Series: Russian Concubine

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  • The Russian Concubine
    Junchow, China, 1928. Lydia Ivanova has a fierce spirit. Nothing can dim it, not even the foul waters of the Peiho River. Into the river's grime, bodies are tossed – those of thieves and Communists alike. So every time Lydia steals from someone to feed herself and her mother, she takes her life into her own hands. Lydia's mother, Valentina,...
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  • The Concubine's Secret
    China, 1929. For years, Lydia Ivanova believed her father was killed by the Bolsheviks. But when she learns he is captive in Stalin-controlled Russia, the fiery-haired girl is willing to leave everything behind—even her Chinese lover, Chang An Lo. Journeying with her half-brother Alexei, Lydia begins a dangerous search. Tension grows between the two, for while Alexei is searching for...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall has been widely praised for its sweeping narrative and richly drawn characters. Reviewers commend it for a gripping love story set against the backdrop of early twentieth-century Russia and China, highlighting its atmospheric and evocative portrayal of a tumultuous historical period. The novel is described as a pulse-racing romantic epic, noted for its engaging plot and vivid, multidimensional characters, particularly the heroine Lydia, making it an excellent piece of escapist reading.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780751540420

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 November 2007

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Sphere

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 39.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 412g

Pages: 608

About the Author

Kate Furnivall lives in Devon and was born in Wales. This is her first novel. The Russian Concubine is based on her mother's life.

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