I wrote A Song to Drown Rivers when I was twenty-one—a time when I could feel my world changing shape around me, when my teenage years were starting to feel increasingly distant but adulthood still felt like an abstract concept I hadn’t fully grasped yet—but the seeds for this book were planted long before that. It began with the myths my mother told me when I was a child. Stories about women so beautiful they could bring kingdoms to their knees, about first and final loves so fierce they lived on even in death, and kings as cruel as they were cunning. Even then, the tale of Xishi—the girl, the concubine, the spy—stood out to me. What was it like, I found myself wondering, to have to conceal your true thoughts at every turn? To be tasked with the tremendous mission of making the man you loathe fall in love with you?
–Ann Liang, Letter from the author
What booksellers are saying about A Song to Drown Rivers
- A Song to Drown Rivers is an epic historical fantasy about Xishi, one of the four beauties of Ancient China. The Wu people have recently conquered the Yue and life for the Yue is brutal. Xishi, a Yue woman so beautiful she has to wear a veil to escape attention, is approached by the military advisor of her people with a plan to overthrow the Wu by becoming a beloved concubine of their king. Suddenly her small life in her village is over and she’s being coached in court life, falling for the advisor along the way. But she’ll have to put that behind her if she’s going to succeed and save her people. This stunning but heartbreaking tale will take you right back to Ancient China right along with Xishi.
― Jennifer Jones, Bookmiser in Marietta, Georgia | BUY
- This one is for the readers who want their love stories stained with tragedy. With its gorgeous prose and captivating main character, A Song to Drown Rivers will leave readers tearful and yearning.
― Courtney Ulrich Smith, Underbrush Books in Rogers, Arkansas | BUY
- Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of China’s famed Four Beauties, this novel is as stunning and captivating as its muse! Liang’s poetic prose and vivid imagery beautifully explore themes of war, sacrifice, and love against all odds. What sets this novel apart is its ability to make something so ancient feel immediate and personal, as if Xishi herself stepped out of legend to tell her tale. This book made me feel every emotion, and embodies what a tragic yet profound love story should be!
― Janisie Rodriguez, Copperfish Books in Punta Gorda, Florida | BUY
- A lush, evocative novel of mythical proportions. Filled with atmosphere, longing and intrigue this story is about Xishi, who is handpicked for her singular beauty to win the heart of a king and destroy a kingdom. This one has Young Adult crossover appeal as well. Can’t wait to hand-sell it!
― Jessica Nock, Main Street Books in Davidson, North Carolina | BUY
- A Song to Drown Rivers retells ancient legend with phenomenal voice, bringing a truly worthwhile addition to the historical fiction genre. The romance in this book was also done so perfectly! There was so much tension and longing. I felt more emotions through one of their glances than I have through some entire romance books. I also appreciated how the love story never took away from the important messages in the book but it was also never overshadowed by them. This book is an absolute gem, a stunning, compelling, and emotionally charged journey that left me breathless.
― Baldwin Bookseller, Baldwin & Co. in New Orleans, Louisiana | BUY
About Ann Liang
Ann Liang is the New York Times and Indie bestselling author of the critically acclaimed YA novels This Time It’s Real, If You Could See the Sun, and I Hope This Doesn’t Find You. Born in Beijing, she grew up traveling back and forth between China and Australia, but somehow ended up with an American accent. She now lives in Melbourne, where she can be found making overambitious to-do lists and having profound conversations with her pet labradoodle about who’s a good dog.
