I saw this ARC and wanted to read it because I really know nothing about Chinese poetry. Reading the translated poems, I must admit that they are not something that lights a spark in me. I can't read the original, but I believe Wendy Chen did a great job - which means I am simply not a fan of Chinese "ci".

On the other hand, reading about the poetess who survived a war and loss of her husband and fortune, abusive second husband, imprisonment and defied cultural expectations for women was such a pleasure for me. Many interesting informations about life and law in 12th century China caught my interest and made me respect Li Qingzhao even more.