Title: TAI-PAN
Author: James Clavell
ISBN: 9780340282588
Location: 2D
Keywords: Hong Kong, trade, colonialism, British Empire, adventure, power struggle, culture clash, business, family, loyalty, ambition, opium trade, maritime, 19th century, East India Company, honor, betrayal, survival, historical fiction, politics
Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Hong Kong during its establishment as a British colony, "Tai-Pan" follows the ambitious and determined character of Dirk Struan, a Scottish trader and the titular Tai-Pan, or leader, of the Noble House, a powerful trading company. Struan's journey is marked by the fierce competition of rival traders, the complexities of international politics, and the rich tapestry of cultural clashes between the British and the Chinese.
As Struan navigates the tumultuous waters of commerce, he faces personal and professional challenges, including rivalries with other merchants, such as the ruthless and calculating Gordon Chen. His ambition drives him to create a flourishing trade empire, but it also puts him at odds with the local population, colonial authorities, and even his own family.
The novel explores themes of power, honor, and survival as Struan grapples with his relationships, including his complex love for the beautiful and resilient May-May, a Chinese woman who embodies the cultural tensions of the era. Through vivid storytelling, Clavell captures the struggle for dominance and the quest for identity in a rapidly changing world, all while showcasing the beauty and brutality of life in the East.
"Tai-Pan" is a gripping tale of ambition, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit, illustrating the challenges of establishing a legacy in a land rife with conflict and opportunity.
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