Editorial Content for Bronze Drum: A Novel of Sisters and War
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
The crisp but poetic prose of Phong Nguyen’s BRONZE DRUM resounds with a deep, sonorous boom. It retells the story of Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị, two real Vietnamese sisters who led thousands of women against the conquering Han Chinese. This tale, a riveting work of historical fiction, is one that won’t be easily forgotten.
"This tale, a riveting work of historical fiction, is one that won’t be easily forgotten."
When the novel opens, Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị are two young noblewomen who expect their lives to be much like others of their class. The Han invaded several generations before and have uncomfortably imposed their customs on all aspects of life in Lạc Việt. As the sisters grow up, they learn more about the discomfort simmering under the cover of an uneasy peace in their family --- and the lands they rule.
As the conquerors’ tyranny grows, the lives the ladies wish to lead seem to be increasingly impossible. Each has her distinct character flaws. However, as they mature into women, the once-reserved Trưng Trắc is able to open her heart and mind to others, while emotionally driven Trưng Nhị learns the ways of wisdom and consequence.
The unease grows in their lives until one final tipping point arrives. Once an emotional bombshell wrecks the world as they know it, the seemingly fine line between submission and rebellion explodes into tiny fragments. The sisters not only must lead the women of Lạc Việt against the Han, they have to figure out how to pick up the pieces of their own shattered lives --- and live not just for themselves, but for their people.
Nguyen vividly paints portraits of compelling characters in both Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị. Their journeys to maturity are intriguing and relatable, juxtaposed as they are with the worsening political situation in the kingdom, and the perfectly set pace makes the catalyst for rebellion that much more poignant. This is not just rebellion for abstract reasons as in some novels. The sisters’ own conflicts are inextricably intertwined with their fight for justice, making each loss and victory resound like the beat of a bronze drum. This book is not to be missed.
Teaser
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 sisters' lives --- and the lives of their people --- are shadowed by the oppressive rule of the Han Chinese. 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.
Promo
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 sisters' lives --- and the lives of their people --- are shadowed by the oppressive rule of the Han Chinese. 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.
About the Book
A “gripping historical adventure” 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 (Booklist).
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 sisters' 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, 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.
Audiobook available, read by Quyen Ngo
