A lively and cinematic twentieth-century epic, Red Poppies focuses on the extravagant and brutal reign of a clan of Tibetan warlords during the ris...
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reviews
Jan 29, 2012
Jens
rated it: 
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Feb 24, 2010
Despite my memories of traveling through Tibet and my affinity for the Tibetan people*, I could not finish this book about a feudal warlord prince growing up in 1930s Tibet. My first clue should have been that it was published by the Chinese "People's Literature Publishing House" which struck me as disconcerting since this more than likely means that it's been sanctioned by the Chinese government, who have ruled Tibet and watered down and misrepresented its culture for the past half ce
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Sep 21, 2008
FicusFan
rated it:
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Dec 03, 2008
annemm
rated it: 
A very different view of Tibet...not the monasteries and monks of the Land of Snows, but the political intrigues and feuds between Tibetan warlords, plus the nexus of opium and Chinese Communism.
Sep 10, 2009
Nathalie
rated it:
Excellent historical novel about Tibet, in the early 20th century. I recommend this to anyone who has an interest in that region of the world.
May 07, 2010
Cindy
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This was awful! I picked it up at the book store on the "Sale" rack. Mystery solved! Terrible, terrible.
Aug 07, 2011
Dominika
rated it:
Very atmospheric novel with great characters and panoramic settings.
May 22, 2009
I am not loving this book. Maybe it has to do with the translation. Okay, I admit it. I did NOT finish this book. It's terrible. I know it will end in tragedy and I refuse to torture myself for the next three hundred pages just to find out that Tibet gets the shitty end of the stick. I already know that. If you are intrigued by entitled behavior, like to read about slaves being badly treated and are attracted to the effects of opium -- this book is for you. Oh, there is SOME little bit of h
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Oct 23, 2011
Teresa
rated it:
I am fascinated by this part of the world and looked forward to reading a book about Tibet that did not focus on the Dalai Lama. After listening to the first 2 CDs I had to stop. I just couldn't listen to any more descriptions of torture and suffering. I despised the characters and didn't want to spend another minute of my life with them.
Sep 14, 2011
Kathy
rated it: 
This wonderful book pulls you into the world of mid twentith century Tibetan chieftons, highly recommended.
Jul 06, 2008
Al
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I wanted to like this book. In fact the reason I gave it 2 stars instead of one is that I loved the setting and the feel of the book. And I liked the presentation of the main charachter (an "idiot"). But I felt the book was very negative (this is coming from someone who loves depressing books), and did nothing to bring the reader into the culture.
Feb 17, 2008
Briana
rated it:
This book has an interesting story-line. I find, though, that's its a really difficult read. I think it lost something in translation, plus the narration is odd, told through the words of a self-proclaimed "Idiot", so maybe that's it. It took me a long time to get through. I would probably give it 3 1/2 stars, if I could.
Mar 02, 2010
Amanda
rated it:
Awkward translation, obscure subject matter, whiffs of magical realism, and plenty o' syphilis and opium. What's not to like?
May 14, 2008
Beth
rated it:
Took me a bit to get into this book, but I liked it once I did. It was originally written in Chinese and later translated to English which I think contributes a little to it being hard to get into, but you don't notice it as much after awhile.
Jun 09, 2011
Joyce
rated it:
This book began and ended very well, but the story came to a near stand-still throughout the middle majority of the book. It's an interesting and unique read, but doesn't provide a great history lesson. However, very interesting.
Feb 28, 2009
Connie
rated it:
I listened to the abridged audiobook. The story is very interesting--it takes place as Tibet is taken over by China. The introduction of the opium poppy to the region is followed as it corrupts the people and land.
May 20, 2008
Teji
rated it:
Historical novel about feudal tibet in the early 20th century. The head of one of the leading clans agrees to plan poppies (for opium production)in exchange for guns to use against rival neighboring clans.
Dec 28, 2007
Vika
rated it:
really special one
Tibet , China and more of all- one special boy who is telling his and his country story between 2 World wars
couldnt stop till the end
(i have it at Hebrew translation)
Tibet , China and more of all- one special boy who is telling his and his country story between 2 World wars
couldnt stop till the end
(i have it at Hebrew translation)
Mar 22, 2008
historical period of 1800 in growing poppies in Tibet,narrated by son of chieftian who is suppose to be an idiot( I should be so stupid)
Jul 27, 2009
Jessie
rated it:
this book took forever to read. at times i liked it, at times i was pretty bored. overall, i wouldn't recommend it.
May 15, 2008
Tonya
rated it:
I couldn't even finish it. The boy is self absorbed, and the family is abusive.
Jul 13, 2010
Brittany
rated it:
One of the best books I've read in a long time. Absolutely unforgettable.
Feb 09, 2012
Feb 09, 2012
