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Reference
This novel offers a glimpse into the interwoven, highly complex guanxi (relations) among the Chinese, more specifically among the Chinese royals of the Late Qing dynasty. When making decisions or taking actions, the characters must consider the repercussions across entire networks of relations as well as vast lengths of time: for the Western reader, this is perhaps the most foreign aspect of the book--and therefore richest opportunity for learning about Chinese culture.
Rich in imagery, sweeping in scope, this could be tough to use in regular high school classes, but for AP levels it would work well as a companion to explorations of the Manchus and the Qing Dynasty. It is not Anchee Min's best book in terms of originality of craft (I think that honor belongs to Becoming Madame Mao); however, it is worth the read at the very least as engaging background information on the late Qing dynasty and Chinese social relations.