"Terrific late nineteenth century historical tale"

In 1898 China, tantric sex teacher Shi Po has devoted her life to the Taoist dictum of obtaining enlightenment and immortality through ecstasy by strict control of the body and mind. However, Shi is upset that two white heathen students of hers seem to have gained what she strives to achieve. Feeling she has brought shame by her failure and danger to her family by sheltering a monk, Shi wants to die.

Shi's husband Tan Kui Yu believes that together they reach Heaven, but separately never. When the duo is imprisoned, Kui trusts that they can overcome adversity with one another, but first they must accept the love they have for another that is a major step towards reaching Heaven.

DESPERATE TIGRESS is a terrific late nineteenth century historical tale that provides a deep look at Chinese society through the changing relationship between the lead couple and to a lesser degree the general who jails them. The story line focuses on the interactions between a humiliated Shi who believes she is a failure and has shamed her family and Kui a kind gentle soul respecting his wife. Though Jade Lee's tale can be read by itself, reading the previous two related tales (see HUNGRY TIGRESS and WHITE TIGRESS) first will give a more complete picture of the society. Still this is a superb work.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted October 15, 2005