The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall

The Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It is the story of Lydia Ivanona, a teenage thief, a political refugee from Russia, who tries to survive in the harsh world of China with her mother and fells in love with a Chinese communist.


I have to admit that I do love historical novels and this one had all the potential for a great story since the beginning.Bolsevics, Russia, Revolution, poverty, opium, China, forbidden love, criminals, communists.I have to admit that I was a little dissapointed when we moved out from Russia so fast but Chine draw me into her world really fast.
It was a really nice, interesting, well read story with interesting characters.What I liked about them was that they were no saints (even the highly morally and principled, like the headmaster of Lydia's school, who against his better self is drawn into a world of corruption and opium) they have flaws and they are human but you come to like them.What I also liked is that China is also a character in this book.It definately captivated me and made me wanna know more about China, its history and culture.
The love story war an interesting one, too.It has all the potential for a great love story and Lydia and Chang An Lo can be put in the long list of curshed lovers.What I didn't like so much is that Lydia was too fond of Chang too fast too easy, no wonder under the circumstances they met, but on the other had he was a communist and her family's miseries were due to them and she kind of warmed up to his communists theories too.I did expect to see her give it some though first.Somehow it seemed too rapid I know in her position I would do so.I wouldn't stop myself from loving him but I would definately be uncomfortable and not to easy to give in to him.I do think its the natural reaction.
One other thing I find quite strange was the title. After I read the book I can understand it of course, its due to the mother, but its Lydia that is the leading character not Valentina so it is kind of an odd choice."The Girl from Junchow" which is the title of the next book of K.F. it is more like what the title should be in this book.Anyway it is not very disturbing, it's just odd.

To sum up, this book is interesting, entertaining, easily read wth interesting characters and a nice story.I have read better but this works your time