City of Broken Promises

By Austin Coates,

Book cover of City of Broken Promises

Book description

This historical novel is based on the true story of the affair between the Chinese orphan Martha Herop and her English lover, son of the founder of Lloyd's, in the 18th century.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked City of Broken Promises as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book has stayed in my memory even though I read it many years ago. Subtle in the telling, this novel is one that drills into your soul. Set in 18th century Macau (then a Portuguese enclave), it is a story of forbidden interracial love, prejudices, and intrigue surrounding a British trader surnamed Mierop and a Chinese orphan named Marta da Silva, based on true events. The author got his inspiration for the novel when he saw a portrait of a Chinese lady, Marta Mierop, in a Macau museum. In the story as well as in real life, Marta…

From Alice's list on novels that take place in China.

Want books like City of Broken Promises?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like City of Broken Promises.

Browse books like City of Broken Promises

Book cover of Pavilion of Women
Book cover of Wolf Totem
Book cover of The Last Quarter of the Moon

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,186

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in China, the United Kingdom, and Paris?

China 646 books
The United Kingdom 583 books
Paris 390 books