Kate FurnivallThe Russian Concubine (A Russian Concubine Novel)

A Russian Concubine is not what I had anticipated. But it had all the fascination and mystery of China and the fight to survive by a White Russian mother and her daughter in a culture so very different. At times enchanting and at times raw, it was constantly interesting. So much so that I couldn't put it down, staying up way past bedtime to read on until my eyes wouldn't remain open another second.Valentina Ivanova had an easy life in St. Petersburg until the Bolshevik revolution overturned the nation. With her Danish husband and her daughter, Lydia, they rode a train into Siberia to escape the new Russia. Unfortunately the train was stopped by hard line Bolsheviks and they lost everything. Valentina through her sex appeal and guile managed to buy her freedom and that of her daughter.They arrived in the north Chinese city of Junchow, divided into various quarters of the powerful nations and an old city for the Chinese. Much of the story is about Lydia and her struggle to keep herself and her mother alive under often minimal conditions. Both women learn to do what needs to be done. Both also find love. Valentina with a proper and well-to-do Englishman. Lydia with a young Chinese Communist.They struggle with friends and enemies. Lydia gets in trouble with a Tong, the English police and others. She is resourceful and brave, but needs others to help her. It was a fascinating and powerful read. I had but one problem, I didn't want it to end. It was that good.

I really enjoyed reading this wonderful book. It is not for soft hearted people,there are many gruesome details about torture in China and Russia.

The first in a trilogy of wonderful heart capturing novels. I loved these books and could hardly tear myself away from them to do anything else but read. Kate Furnivall has created a celebrated novel full of danger, love and excitement. The characters are full of life, sometimes a bit unrealistic, but it only adds to the novels excitement, as they leap from the pages. What more can I say. You have to read it yourself.

I enjoyed many things about this novel, a Russian girl in China caught between a political struggle. The historical setting was top notch. I thought the novel went on too long and the ending was flat. After having read it I questioned the title using the word 'concubine'. I didn't see either of the woman as being owned by anyone. They did what they did to survive and used sex to do that.Linda C. WrightAuthorOne Clown Short

Just loved this book. Kate Furnivall builds her storyline in a masterful way - slowly revealing her characters and layer by layer her story unfolds. I couldn’t put this book down. It examined relationships at a time of political turmoil - White Russians, Englishmen and a background of Chinese rebellion and the growth of Communism with all its conflict.

It was an interesting read, full of the mystery of China in the early 20th Century, I enjoyed it so much that when I had finished, I immediately went onto Amazon and brought the further two books in the series.

A story of survival, love, strength, and determination during the time when the communists were trying to take over China. Valentine and her daughter escaped a Russian labor camp and lived in China. Lydia falls in love with Chang, who is a Chinese communist. There are many problems for them. It is good reading, I didn't want to put it down. It is Ann exciting story. I am glad I didn't live in during those times.

The story is engaging and an overall easy read. Better than the typical 'romance' novel but not quite 'classic' quality.

Book was in good condition and the price was cheap. The book arrive promptly and it was used for a book club choice for a book club I belong to in England. I couldn't get the book at Chapters/Indigo or our local library.

Une grande saga. Je lirai le tome précédent et la suite.

I found this book boring and senselessly violent. It is not the type of book I would look for again.

DNF boring and repetitive

Ich lese viel, sehr viel! Selten hatte ich so ein spannendes, facettenreiches, einfühlsames, informatives, geniales Buch wie dieses in der Hand. Als ich die letzten Sätze gelesen hatte, war ich enttäuscht, dass es fertig war.