I really tried to like this book, but I could not even finish it. I believe there is much more to the history of China than sexual abuse and torture which was described very graphically. The premise of two "soul-mates" being reincarnated throughout critical times in Chinese history was enticing. I am a reader who does not mind necessary violence in a book, but this one dealt more with that than the story of China itself. To me, it was sadistic and the most unpleasant read of my life. I would like to say that I am a former literature teacher, and a retired librarian, so I am very liberal and eclectic about books. But, this, to me, was the worst book I have ever read.