Bronze Drum

Narrated by Quyen Ngo
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Pub Date 09 Aug 2022 | Archive Date 09 Aug 2022
Hachette Audio | Grand Central Publishing

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Description

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.

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...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781668605745
PRICE $27.99 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Shelf App (AUDIO)

Average rating from 26 members


Featured Reviews

This isn’t my usual read since it is historical fiction with no fantasy aspects, but I am glad I went out of my comfort zone because I enjoyed this audiobook and thought about it when I didn’t have it on.

The book is told from third person narrative and mostly follows the two daughters of a Vietnamese Lord. Trung Trac and Trung Nhi are very different from one another but when they are not arguing with each other they really work well together through each of their strengths and weaknesses. Their lives are not always easy when they are younger as they are told what they can and cannot do. Through that, they find themselves on a path of war to free them from the constraints that the Han Chinese bind them with.

This was a heartbreaking read and one that I felt invested in. I couldn’t help but feel for the sisters as they lose freedom and even people as their story progresses. The other women in this book are just as powerful as well even if they don’t get as much page time. They were strengthened together and took down those who were thought to be stronger. Many of the Han Chinese didn’t believe in these women’s strength and found out firsthand what they could do, even while pregnant for one!

I had never heard of these sisters before but through this book I am keen on looking up more about them because I do find them to be quite fascinating.

The audiobook was well done and I enjoyed the narrator. I feel that if I had read this book it may have been on the dryer side, especially at the beginning of the book when everything is being laid out. If you are like me in this way then definitely go for the audiobook.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and powerful read. I’m glad I gave it a chance.

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