This is a fantasy tale influenced by Chinese myths about foxes that is captivating. Bao is assigned by a restaurant owner to learn the name of the woman who died on the steps of his establishment so the owner can conduct prayers so the woman won’t haunt his business. While Bao traces his steps from a brothel back to the village where the dead woman came from, he encounters tales of a fox woman and other mysterious deaths that remind him of his childhood with Tagtaa whom he secretly adored and their fascination with foxes.
Shaherazade and the Arabian Nights tales are familiar to everyone, but what about the life of Shaherazade? This is a fascinating read that begins in Persia when Shaherazade discovers that the Malik’s wife is unfaithful. The Malik is so distraught once he learns of his wife’s infidelity, he loses all reason once his wife is beheaded that Shaherazade’s father, the vizier cannot help him. A second wife, a third wife, and yet another cannot save him from despair, but can Shaherazade with her magical tales save him from the brink of disaster?
Set during the Crusades when Suladin is fighting against the infidels in Palestine, the novel mixes historical events with fiction to create a gripping tale.
Lily’s older confident sister, Maya shrugs off the past whenever Lily tries to remember their childhood in Hong Kong before they were sent back to their father in London once their mother, Sook-Yin’s died. Lily learns that she is has been bequeathed a large amount of money on the condition she comes to Hong Kong to claim it. She has no idea who Hei-Fong Lee is nor why he would leave her so much money. When she learns her sister has received the same letter, she confronts Maya, but her sister says to ignore the offer.
In mid-1500 Florence, Lucrezia is the least favoured child of the grand duke and duchess. Her older sisters either tease her or ignore her, her brothers are indifferent. Her sister, Maria is about to marry Alfonso, grand duke of Ferrara, but an illness intervenes, causing her death. Alfonzo’s roving eye remembers tiny Lucrezia and negotiates their marriage. Lucrezia is far too young, but her father sees this as a wise political move and she is married to the duke by age fifteen. Is she old enough and wise enough to survive the turmoil within his court? And what of the rumours that the duke has never conceived a child in all is amorous endeavours? Will her life be in danger if she can’t become pregnant?
This well-written novel is loosely based on historical characters and facts. I was spellbound from page one where Lucrezia is aware that she is probably going to be murdered. I rate this as the top book I’ve read so far this year.
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