Forbidden City is a historical fiction novel written by William Bell, first published in 2000. It tells the story of fourteen-year-old Jamie Matthews, who moves to Beijing with his family. He is quickly swept up in the excitement and intrigue of life in the Forbidden City, the ancient Chinese imperial palace. As Jamie explores the city and its secrets, he discovers a mysterious link between his own family and the imperial court.
Plot Summary
Jamie Matthews is a fourteen-year-old Canadian boy who moves to Beijing with his parents. His father is a diplomat and his mother is a doctor. When Jamie arrives, he is overwhelmed by the size and beauty of the Forbidden City. He is quickly befriended by a local boy named Ming, and together they explore the city and its secrets. Jamie is fascinated by the grandeur of the imperial palace, and soon discovers a mysterious link between his own family and the court of the Qing Dynasty.
Jamie’s grandfather, who died before Jamie was born, had been a student of Chinese history and culture. He had left behind a set of journals that reveal a secret connection between his family and the court of the Qing Dynasty. Jamie is determined to unravel the mystery and discovers that his grandfather had been a confidant of the last emperor, Pu Yi. He also finds evidence that his grandfather had been involved in a daring escape from the Forbidden City during the Boxer Rebellion.
Jamie’s discovery leads him to a series of adventures as he attempts to uncover the truth about his family’s past. He meets a mysterious old man who claims to be the last emperor’s son, and he discovers a hidden cache of jewels in the Forbidden City. He also finds himself in danger when he is mistaken for a Chinese spy by the occupying Japanese forces.
Characters
- Jamie Matthews – The fourteen-year-old protagonist of the novel. He is an inquisitive and adventurous boy who moves to Beijing with his parents. He is determined to uncover the secrets of his family’s past.
- Ming – Jamie’s best friend in Beijing. He is a local boy who helps Jamie explore the Forbidden City.
- Pu Yi – The last emperor of the Qing Dynasty. He is a mysterious figure who appears throughout the novel, and Jamie discovers a link between his own family and the imperial court.
- Mr. Lee – A mysterious old man who claims to be the last emperor’s son. He helps Jamie uncover the secrets of his family’s past.
Themes
Exploration and Discovery
The theme of exploration and discovery is central to the novel. Jamie is an inquisitive and adventurous boy, and he is determined to uncover the secrets of his family’s past. His exploration of the Forbidden City leads him to a series of adventures, and he discovers a hidden cache of jewels and a mysterious link between his own family and the court of the Qing Dynasty. Through his adventures, Jamie learns the importance of courage and perseverance.
Family
The theme of family is also important in the novel. Jamie discovers that his grandfather had been a confidant of the last emperor, and he is determined to uncover the truth about his family’s past. Through his adventures, Jamie learns the importance of family and the strength of their bonds.
Friendship
Friendship is also a major theme in the novel. Jamie quickly makes a friend in Ming, and their friendship helps him explore the Forbidden City and uncover its secrets. Through their friendship, Jamie learns the importance of loyalty and trust.
Conclusion
Forbidden City is an exciting and adventurous novel that follows Jamie Matthews as he discovers the secrets of his family’s past. Through his exploration of the Forbidden City, Jamie learns the importance of courage and perseverance, family, and friendship. It is a captivating story that will appeal to readers of all ages.
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