My Splendid Concubine

ARISE, AUTHONOMY GHOST!

Ease those weary, withered limbs from your coffin. Push away the stone from the mouth of the tomb.

You have one last task to perform. One last, sacred shelf to confer.

Whether you were plugger, spammer, gusher or troll, whether you flirted or fought in the forum or beavered away in the shadows, now is the time for your resurrection.

One last time. Marshall your strength, muster the last vestiges of your power and carry out your final Authonomy act:

Back my book, MIRROR IN THE SKY.

Then, only then, you may rest easy in your Authonomy grave.

Nick Poole2 (formerly known as NickP)

I love this. If you look at my bio you'll see why. Books like this are long-overdue and desperately needed if we are to bridge the cultural gaps between China and the West. If I came across this in a store, I would snap it up in a minute.

I love this. If you look at my bio you'll see why. Books like this are long-overdue and desperately needed if we are to bridge the cultural gaps between China and the West. If I came across this in a store, I would snap it up in a minute.

A beautifully under-written gateway to the world of contradictions that was 19thC China. I found the reviews at the beginning of each chapter a little intrusive. Perhaps there is a better place to put them? Otherwise I very much enjoyed this lyrical and engaging story. Shelved.
JMD
The Alchemist's Heir

Thanks. I checked the 2nd edition. It was changed from "to" to "with". :o) He never did it though. He was thinking about it and started to kneel when the empress stopped him.

Your splendid concubine certainly was splendid. It was a beautiful gentle read. There was a sentence that was a little awkward. ‘It required that he kneel and touch the floor to his head nine time.' I think it might read better- ‘and touch his head to the floor nine times.' All the best. Shelved. C.P

Your splendid concubine certainly was splendid. It was a beautiful gentle read. There was a sentence that was a little awkward. ‘It required that he kneel and touch the floor to his head nine time.' I think it might read better- ‘and touch his head to the floor nine times.' All the best. Shelved. C.P

This is expertly researched and beautifully described. It definitely deserves a spin on the shelf!

M&J
'Graemor'

Extremely well researched and written. I was hooked at the start, and as I said in my message to you, this is definitely one book that is on my "MUST BUY" list.

I have a keen interest in China in the early 19th and 20th centuries, and your book has spawned an even greater interest in me. For that I thank you.

I have had time to read more now and I still find this fascinating. I am putting it on my bookshelf.

There isn't much I can add to what's already been said -- rock on, Lloyd!

Hello Lloyd,
I've read only the 1st chapter but can tell straightaway that you have researched your book extensively. It shows in the wonderful details of the materials worn, or the surroundings described. I am fascinated by the rich colours and writing, which flows smoothly and is well paced.
I have watchlisted your book but will move it to my bookshelf as soon as I can. (I've only recently put some books there that's why it'll be a few days, but on my bookshelf you will go!)
It's truly promising and I look forward tor reading more.
All the best,
Annia
P.S. I also wanted to add that I loved your wife's book 'Empress Orchid'.

I love it when an author can bring me to a time and/or place that is otherwise unfamiliar to me. I have read only the first chapter, but the sense of place in My Splendid Concubine is fantastic. Not only the description, but the customs and dialog really make the setting come alive. Good luck to you, Mr. Lofthouse.

Lloyd certainly did his research on Sir Robert Heart of 19th Century China. Heart reportedly burned his daily entry diarys covering his early years so as not to draw displeasure from relatives back home on the British Isles. He worked as an interpreter at the consulate in a port city in China. Those early years, depicted in My Splendid Concubine, are the Historical Fiction of those years. Intrigue, ever present danger, love and romance and tragedy. A glimpse into the beating heart of China from 1854. Well done Mr. Lofthouse!

I found this very interesting - fascinating, I might say. It is very well written and obviously very well researched. I liked the way it started with the old Robert on his way home and then raced back to 1854. It could have been corny, but wasn't. My only criticism so far was with the detailed explanation of the woman's role in the family, merely because it was done in conversation. I don't know how you could make the conversatio less 'bookish', but I think you perhaps should. This is really a very minor point.