NIGHT OF THE WILLOW

by Maureen Peters ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 12, 1981

An implausible tale of Boxer Rebellion-era Peking--with a pretty, be-ribboned quality one associates with dated, early-teen juveniles. Lucy O'Malley, 18--who was raised by fussy, nice Aunt Harriet in a dreary English town and works as an accountant at a mill--receives an offer of marriage to Prince Chang Lee when mandarin Chang Liu (the Prince's dad) glimpses Lucy during his tour of the mill. So off to adventure and the Orient she goes. But, though treated courteously by her new father-in-law, Lucy is shunned much of the time by Chang Lee himself. She's also insulted regularly by that Chinese Mrs. Danvers, housekeeper Chart Sula, who airs scandal about Chang Liu's dead European wife (now entombed in a lovely but mysterious pagoda shrine). And, furthermore, Lucy's new family seems to cool whenever the subject of a neighbor--young Mei Ling--is mentioned. So why on earth did the Prince marry Lucy? Ah, eventually Lucy (who learns Chinese and earns respect) will discover all--which has much to do with the terrible Empress T'zu Hsi, who tests Lucy's mettle by forcing her to witness an execution. And it also involves the Mei Ling secret, the true story of the dead wife, a deadly battle, a kidnapping, escape, rescue. . . and True Love. Many silky interiors, clothes, festive food, and views of a hideously impressive Empress: elementary but pleasant.

Pub Date: Jan. 12, 1981

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1981

Categories: FICTION