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Bronze Drum
Bronze Drum | Phong Nguyen
6 posts | 5 read | 4 to read
A stunning novel of ancient Vietnam based on the true story of two warrior sisters who raised an army of women to overthrow the Han Chinese and rule as kings over a united people, for readers of Circe and The Night Tiger. Gather around, children of Chu Dien, and be brave. For even to listen to the story of the Trung Sisters is, in these troubled times, a dangerous act.In 40 CE, in the Au Lac region of ancient Vietnam, two daughters of a Vietnamese Lord fill their days training, studying, and trying to stay true to Vietnamese traditions. While Trung Trac is disciplined and wise, always excelling in her duty, Trung Nhi is fierce and free spirited, more concerned with spending time in the gardens and with lovers. But these sister's lives—and the lives of their people—are shadowed by the oppressive rule of the Han Chinese. They are forced to adopt Confucian teachings, secure marriages, and pay ever?increasing taxes. As the peoples' frustration boils over, the country comes ever closer to the edge of war. When Trung Trac and Trung Nhi's father is executed, their world comes crashing down around them. With no men to save them against the Han's encroaching regime, they must rise and unite the women of Vietnam into an army. Solidifying their status as champions of women and Vietnam, they usher in a period of freedom and independence for their people. Vivid, lyrical, and filled with adventure, The Bronze Drum is a true story of standing up for one's people, culture, and country that has been passed down through generations of Vietnamese families through oral tradition. Phong Nguyen's breathtaking novel takes these real women out of legends and celebrates their loves, losses, and resilience in this inspirational story of women's strength and power even in the face of the greatest obstacles.
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Undakaraunchanged
Bronze Drum | Phong Nguyen
Pickpick

I love this book, historical fiction set in Bronze Age Vietnam. Yes please. Beautiful written and a gorgeous marriage of historical and fictional.

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rachelsbrittain
Bronze Drum | Phong Nguyen
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Mehso-so

I was so looking forward to this historical fiction novel about the Vietnemese sisters who overthrew the Han in their lands, rode to battle on elephants, and declared themselves king. And it truly is a fascinating and important bit of history. Unfortunately it gets bogged down by telling their entire story with so many details that the narrative becomes difficult to focus on. I'm glad to have read it but dissapointed not to have loved it.

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Hooked_on_books
Bronze Drum | Phong Nguyen
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Pickpick

Starting in 40 CE, two Viet noble sisters rebel, each in her own way, against their society‘s strictures and the ever tightening rule of the Han Chinese. They eventually lead their people in open rebellion. While I would love if this was based on a true story, this fully fictional historical fiction is still a Hell Yeah! feminist book.

shanaqui Ooh. that sounds very intriguing. 2y
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TorieStorieS
Bronze Drum | Phong Nguyen
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Pickpick

This historical look at Vietnam provides a fascinating story of family, heartache and war. Two sisters, Trung Trac & Trung Nhi are both raised as leaders- supported by their parents & who eventually rise up against the Han overlords. This illuminates part of history that isn‘t often included in US courses. It‘s a fascinating listen that is well-performed. Some of the action comes at a bit of a remove, highlighting the legendary feel to the story.

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bookandbedandtea
Bronze Drum | Phong Nguyen
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More books! Woohoo!

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Amie
Bronze Drum | Phong Nguyen
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#botm arrived today. I wasn't super excited about this month's selections but decided to give this one a shot.