Bronze Drum, Phong Nguyen
Bronze Drum, Phong Nguyen
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Bronze Drum

Author: Phong Nguyen

Narrator: Quyen Ngo

Unabridged: 11 hr 22 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 08/09/2022


Synopsis

A stunning novel of ancient Vietnam based on the true story of two warrior sisters who raised an army of women to overthrow the Han Chinese and rule as kings over a united people, for readers of Circe and The Night Tiger.

Gather around, children of Chu Dien, and be brave.
For even to listen to the story of the Trung Sisters is,
in these troubled times, a dangerous act.In 40 CE, in the Au Lac region of ancient Vietnam, two daughters of a Vietnamese Lord fill their days training, studying, and trying to stay true to Vietnamese traditions. While Trung Trac is disciplined and wise, always excelling in her duty, Trung Nhi is fierce and free spirited, more concerned with spending time in the gardens and with lovers.

But these sister's lives—and the lives of their people—are shadowed by the oppressive rule of the Han Chinese. They are forced to adopt Confucian teachings, secure marriages, and pay ever‑increasing taxes. As the peoples' frustration boils over, the country comes ever closer to the edge of war.

When Trung Trac and Trung Nhi's father is executed, their world comes crashing down around them. With no men to save them against the Han's encroaching regime, they must rise and unite the women of Vietnam into an army. Solidifying their status as champions of women and Vietnam, they usher in a period of freedom and independence for their people.

Vivid, lyrical, and filled with adventure, The Bronze Drum is a true story of standing up for one's people, culture, and country that has been passed down through generations of Vietnamese families through oral tradition. Phong Nguyen's breathtaking novel takes these real women out of legends and celebrates their loves, losses, and resilience in this inspirational story of women's strength and power even in the face of the greatest obstacles.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Dusk on April 28, 2024

In the annals of history, certain figures emerge as luminous beacons, defying convention and reshaping the course of nations. Among these legends stand the Trưng Sisters—Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị—a pair of indomitable women who etched their names into the very fabric of ancient Vietnam. Their audacio......more

Goodreads review by Annette on October 03, 2022

Bronze Drum story is set in ancient Vietnam, with two warrior sisters. Trung Trac is the older sister and is disciplined and wise. Trung Nhi is younger and free spirited. Their father, the Lord of Nhat Nam, maintains peace with the Han Chinese rulers, their enemy. But the tensions are getting greate......more

Goodreads review by Sue on August 27, 2022

Bronze Drum is an interesting novel of a very different time, Lac Viet or Vietnam of 40 CE. In a fictional work that combines elements of history and myth, the author has created a picture of a time when the Viet people were straining under the unwanted control of the Han (modern Chinese). Trung Tra......more

Goodreads review by Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) on August 25, 2022

4.0 stars I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but I was drawn to this one through my love of Asian inspired ownvoices fiction. While this particular novel is grounded in history, the sweeping story was incredible and appealed to my love of epic fantasy. The two characters at the heart of this s......more

Goodreads review by Cindy ✩☽♔ on August 09, 2022

While I did appreciate this book, I must say it did not quite live up to my expectations. But I do suppose it is possible that my expectations were too high. I was already invested in this story because I know the legend. And thus, I had many great imaginings in my mind. I think where this story fai......more