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Juliet Wilson's Reviews > The Secret Mandarin
The Secret Mandarin
by
by
This novel is the fictionalised account of botanist Robert Fortune's mid nineteenth century expeditions through China to find tea plants and to do a bit of spying on the side. I found the botanical elements of the story fascinating (a long time ago now, I did a Botany degree!).
In this novel Fortune is accompanied by his sister in law, Mary, a fictional character, who is running away from disgrace. It is perhaps predictable that the two fall in love, but I thought the development of their relationship was beautifully managed (from outright dislike to deep passion). I also thought that both characters developed as individuals through the journey, as they experienced extreme hardship and danger. The novel is also very insightful about gender relationships and the relations between the UK and China during the time period.
It's an easy read but one that has a lot more to offer than that.
In this novel Fortune is accompanied by his sister in law, Mary, a fictional character, who is running away from disgrace. It is perhaps predictable that the two fall in love, but I thought the development of their relationship was beautifully managed (from outright dislike to deep passion). I also thought that both characters developed as individuals through the journey, as they experienced extreme hardship and danger. The novel is also very insightful about gender relationships and the relations between the UK and China during the time period.
It's an easy read but one that has a lot more to offer than that.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
January 27, 2011
–
Finished Reading
February 1, 2011
– Shelved
February 1, 2011
– Shelved as:
novels
