The Palace of Heavenly Pleasure, written by Adam Williams (2003) was published by Hodder and Stoughton. The story is based in China, 1899. Through shifting protagonists, we are shown various points of the story's development.

Storyline

The novel is split into three main parts, with an overall 23 chapters.

Part One (consisting of Chapters 1 to 10) sets the scene, with the various character's arrivals and meetings. Helen Frances meets Henry Manners and begins to grow affectionate. The brothel is introduced. The Boxers watch as spirits appear within the sky.

Part Two (Chapters 11 to 19) develops the political aspects of the story and begins to demonstrate the influence of different powers within China. Later, the attacks against foreigners increase and the Airtons are forced to flee the town. Execution of foreigners, watched by the Airtons, as they hide in the brothel. Escape from the town, by means of train. Helen Frances is told that Manners is dead.

Part Three (Chapters 20 to 23) introduces Orkhon Baatar, who helps the Airtons to survive. Lament of the previous tragedies. Finally, new character (Arthur Topps) enters Shishan.

Main Characters

Doctor Airton

A missionary from Scotland, he establishes a mission within the town of Shishan and has regular meetings with the Mandarin.

Helen Frances

A new arrival to the town, Helen Frances arrives with her fiancé, Tom Cabot. Initially, she works with two nuns in the hospital, but begins to creep-away from her religious ways, in favour of spending time with Henry Manners.

Mother Liu

The shrewd owner of the brothel (entitled the 'Palace of Heavenly Pleasure'), she manipulates those around her, to maintain a powerful position of influence.

Relations to History

Despite the town of Shishan being fiction, the large cities (such as Peking) are obviously real. The various characters are also the author's creations, but should resemble the expected social roles of this period in history.