Book Summary: A Song to Drown Rivers A Novel by Ann Liang

A Song to Drown Rivers*, a novel by Ann Liang, is an exquisite and devastating epic that intertwines themes of womanhood, war, sacrifice, and love, all set against the backdrop of ancient China. Drawing inspiration from the legend of Xishi, one of the Four Beauties, the story follows the extraordinary Xishi, whose unparalleled beauty is both a gift and a curse.

When she catches the eye of the renowned military advisor Fanli, she is presented with an unexpected opportunity: to use her beauty as a weapon to infiltrate the enemy palace and seduce the immoral king. This dangerous mission aims to topple a rival kingdom, improve her people’s lives, and avenge her sister’s murder.

A Song to Drown Rivers A Novel by Ann Liang Book Details

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A Song to Drown Rivers A Novel by Ann Liang Quotes

1. His eyes fluttered open, focused on me; it was how he had looked at me in all our time together, across the palace rivers, across the polished floors of his chambers, underneath the moonlight. no matter where we were, he was always the first one to spot me, always the last to look away. as if afraid that i would disappear at any moment, like smoke in the breeze. as if he knew that one day, he would run out of time, out of chance.

2. How ironic it was, that when we were apart, all I wished for was to be with him. Yet as soon as we were reunited, all we did was tell each other to leave.

3. They say that when I was born, all the wild geese flew down from the sky, and the fish sank beneath the waves, having forgotten how to swim. Even the lotus flowers in out gardens quivered and turned their heads away, so ashamed they were of their own diminished allure in my presence.

4. Please,” he said. “There cannot be nobody else but you.

A Song to Drown Rivers A Novel by Ann Liang Table Of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Notice

Dedication

Chapter 1 to Chapter 25

Acknowledgments

Also By Ann Liang

About The Author

Newsletter Sign-up

Copyright

A Song to Drown Rivers A Novel by Ann Liang Book Summary

A Song to Drown Rivers A Novel by Ann Liang, skillfully combines historical fantasy with a touching examination of love, sacrifice, and the intricacies of being a woman. Inspired by the renowned Xishi, one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China, the narrative takes place during a period of political unrest between the rival nations of Yue and Wu.

Xi Shi (Hsi Shih; Chinese: 西施; pinyin: Xī Shī; Wade–Giles: Hsi1 Shih1, lit. '(Lady) Shi of the West’), also known by the nickname Xizi, was one of the renowned Four Beauties of ancient China. She was said to have lived in a small Yue village (today part of Zhuji, a county-level city in Shaoxing, Zhejiang) during the end of the Spring and Autumn period. According to legend, Xi Shi was originally a girl who regularly washed gauze in the Huan Sha River.[1]

Xishi’s exceptional beauty is viewed as a mixed blessing, as her village believes her future success is dependent on marrying well to provide for her family.

When Fanli, a famed military strategist, notices Xishi, she is given a unique chance to weaponize her beauty against Wu. Given the opportunity to spy on the enemy palace and seduce the corrupt King Fuchai, Xishi takes on a risky mission that may alter the destiny of her people and seek revenge for her sister’s murder. Fanli teaches her about spying and court etiquette, developing a mentorship that evolves into a complex and deep romance.

While getting ready for her role in the enemy court, Xishi struggles with her increasing emotions for Fanli, realizing that their affection could make her mission more difficult. After entering the Wu palace, she encounters a complex network of deceit and peril, with King Fuchai displaying affection towards her that contrasts with his darker side.

Liang’s writing skillfully portrays Xishi’s emotional struggle as she faces the challenges of love and loyalty, eliciting empathy from readers. Even while Xishi’s betrayal casts a shadow, moments of pity for King Fuchai showcase the intricacies of his personality.

The story skillfully depicts how Xishi turns her beauty into a potent weapon, while also being fully cognizant of the potential dangers. Her risks increase as she climbs the ranks in the court, as being revealed as a traitor could have disastrous outcomes for both kingdoms. A Song to Drown Rivers captures readers with its beautiful writing and emotional scenes, drawing them into Xishi’s quest for self-discovery, love, and the brutal truths of war.

In the end, Liang’s book serves as a remarkable tribute to the resilience of women and the compromises they endure for love and responsibility. The novel A Song to Drown Rivers prompts readers to contemplate the complex interplay of power, beauty, and emotions as two kingdoms’ destinies teeter on the edge.

About the Author:  Ann Liang

Ann Liang is a bestselling author recognized by both the New York Times and Indie Book lists for her acclaimed young adult novels, including This Time It’s Real If You Could See the Sun, and I Hope This Doesn’t Find You. Her works have garnered international attention, selling in more than twenty countries.

Originally from Beijing, Ann spent her childhood shuttling between China and Australia, which amusingly resulted in her developing an American accent. Now residing in Melbourne, she enjoys crafting overly ambitious to-do lists and engaging in deep conversations with her pet labradoodle about who truly deserves the title of “good dog.”

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References :

• Amazon’s book page
• Goodreaders’s book page
• Author’s image source: AnnLiang.com
• Book Cover: Amazon.com