Passing Under Heaven
Passing Under Heaven by Justin Hill, published by Little, Brown on July 7, 2005, is a work of fiction set in the last years of the Tang Dynasty. This 448-page novel follows the life of Lily, a beautiful girl born in a fort along the Great Wall of China, who rises to become a celebrated courtesan. The narrative unfolds in the 9th century, exploring themes of love and personal freedom during a time when Chinese women experienced unprecedented autonomy.
Readers will find a tragic love story intertwined with historical events, as Lily’s journey reflects the complexities of her era. The book documents not only her pursuit of love but also the societal changes marking the decline of the Chinese golden age, leading to civil unrest. Through Lily’s experiences, the novel captures the essence of a transformative period in Chinese history, offering insights into the lives of women and the consequences of their choices.
Official synopsis Publisher
In the last years of the Tang Dynasty, a beautiful girl is born in a fort along the Great Wall of China, and is set to become the most famous and celebrated courtesan of her age. Set in the 9th century, Passing Under Heaven tells the tragic love story of Lily, a Chinese poet and documents a time when Chinese women enjoyed a window of unprecedented personal freedom – including the freedom to fall in love. But when Lily pushes that freedom to its limits disaster ensues, leaving her child and husband to forever mourn her loss.
Based on historical fact, Passing Under Heaven is more than the story of the end of a love affair, this book also chronicles the passing of the Chinese golden age into civil war and ruin.
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