Book of The Month discussion

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.

Please remember this is a discussion thread!

** Spoilers might be listed so read carefully
** Please use Spoiler Tags to hide spoiler comments!!

this is broken in to "parts" with clear parts to pause, which is nice
the story is a bit slow moving but I think it will speed up now

Part 1
(view spoiler)[ I liked learning about the sisters
they are so different. Nhi, the imprisoned one, seems so much younger than her sister but I guess she has been allowed more freedom and less duty since she hasn't been promised to be the next ruler every day

it's interesting the loose idea bout sex and just the need for their to be heirs. I like seeing this different persepctive.

the Han rule sounds awful for these people. I'm ready to read about the fight (hide spoiler)]

Part 2

(view spoiler)[ wow, the death of the men . . . brutal.
I can't believe the Han snuck in in the night/morning like that.

I'm glad the women are banding together and I'm glad the sisters refound each other
I was a little worried after the Nhi was so distraught but I'm glad she found herself while in that building in silence.

I can't wait for these girls to kick butt (hide spoiler)]

Part 3

(view spoiler)[ wow, the battle was hard won and there were so many twists where it could have gone wrong

but I wonder now about Kha. I'm so glad they saved him but. . .what is the right answer? sending him away? (hide spoiler)]

Part 4

(view spoiler)[ Awe, that was such a sad ending. I can't believe the other towns/men wouldn't support them.

but I'm glad the 2 sisters stood up and got the vengeance they wanted. horrible how it all turned out

what a great story though (hide spoiler)]