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The Palace of Heavenly Pleasure
Book 1 in the China Trilogy series.
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In 1899, the fictional northern Chinese town of Shishan stands between southern Manchuria and the Mongolian frontier. Helen Frances arrives among its merchants, missionaries and railway builders and is drawn toward the enigmatic Henry Manners, while Dr Airton debates imperialism and moral responsibility with the local Mandarin. Their lives intersect at the Palace of Heavenly Pleasure, a brothel overlooking the execution ground and controlled by the ruthless Madam Liu.
As Boxer organisations spread through the countryside, local bandits, secret societies and Qing officials redirect resentment toward foreign residents and Chinese Christians. The foreign community retreats into the mission, where survival depends on alliances that challenge religious certainty and social prejudice. Through romance, political intrigue and siege, the novel examines the violence produced by foreign encroachment, missionary ambition and a dynasty struggling to retain authority.
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Historical people
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