The novel, A Song to Drown Rivers, is a touching and captivating book about a girl named Xishi. Ever since Xishi was born into her poor village in the Yue kingdom her mother would cover Xishis’ face because she was too pretty. But one day when she was at the river she ran into the king's advisor. This unexpected encounter led her to become a spy on their rivaling kingdom. Throughout her journey she must face many hardships and challenges, and she must try to help her kingdom and save her people.