The Forbidden City Book is a historical novel that is a must-read for every lover of historical fiction. Written by Canadian Author William Bell, the story is a thrilling tale of adventure that takes place during the time of the Boxer Rebellion in China. The novel is set in 1900 and is narrated from the perspective of the protagonist, a young Canadian journalist called Alex.
The Plot
The story begins with Alex arriving in China to visit his father, who works for the Canadian government. There he meets a local guide called Lao Xu, who introduces him to the political turmoil that is brewing in the country. The Boxer Rebellion, an anti-foreign and anti-Christian movement, is gaining momentum, and tensions are high.
Alex becomes fascinated with the Forbidden City, the home of the Chinese Emperor, and decides to sneak in to take a few photographs. He is caught by palace guards and is imprisoned. To his surprise, he ends up sharing a cell with the emperor’s daughter, Princess Ying-Ying. The two of them develop a friendship, and together they witness the events unfolding outside the palace walls.
The story takes an unexpected turn when the palace is attacked by the Boxers, and Alex and Ying-Ying must escape. They embark on a dangerous journey through war-torn China, battling against the odds to make it to safety.
The Historical Context
The Forbidden City Book is a vivid retelling of events that occurred during the Boxer Rebellion. The Boxers were a peasant movement that began in Shandong Province in 1898. They were fiercely anti-foreign and anti-Christian, and they believed that the foreign presence in China was weakening their nation. Their movement soon spread, and by 1900, the situation had become critical.
The Boxers besieged the legations in Beijing, where foreign diplomats and missionaries lived, and the situation became known as the Siege of the International Legations. The Empress Dowager Cixi, who ruled China at the time, declared war on the foreign powers, and the Boxers attacked foreign nationals across the country.
Through the eyes of Alex and Ying-Ying, Bell creates a compelling and dramatic portrayal of this tumultuous period in Chinese history. Bell’s descriptive writing brings to life the chaos and danger that was prevalent in China at the time, and the story teaches readers a lot about Chinese culture and history during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The Significance of the Book
The Forbidden City Book is a work of fiction, but it is based on real events and real people. Through the eyes of the young Canadian protagonist, the novel sheds light on China’s complex and tumultuous history during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Bell’s portrayal of the culture and history of China is comprehensive and educational, and it encourages readers to learn more about this period in Chinese history.
Furthermore, the story conveys a message of hope and resilience through the characters of Alex and Ying-Ying. Despite the odds stacked against them, they persevere, and their friendship grows stronger despite the chaos around them. The novel encourages readers to look beyond cultural and national barriers and to focus on the common humanity that unites people.
The Bottom Line
The Forbidden City Book is an excellent read for anyone interested in historical fiction or Chinese history. With its engaging plot, vivid descriptions, and relatable characters, it is sure to captivate readers of all ages. William Bell has crafted an intricate and thought-provoking story that is both educational and entertaining, making it a book that is well worth reading.
- Historical Fiction
- Boxer Rebellion
- Forbidden City