Manchu Palaces

Set in eighteenth-century China, this detailed narrative follows a young girl named Lotus as she navigates her journey toward enlightenment during a period of significant imperial history. Serving in the Forbidden City, she embarks on a spiritual quest, exploring themes of desire and self-discovery in her search for a peaceful sanctuary called Mandala. The story offers a nuanced glimpse into the cultural and personal struggles of transitioning into womanhood within an imperial context.