She Who Became the Sun
Shelley Parker-Chan’s She Who Became the Sun is a bold, queer reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. In 1345, China lies under harsh Mongol rule. When a bandit attack orphans two peasant children, Zhu Chongba succumbs to despair and dies. Desperate to escape her own fated death, the girl uses her brother's identity to enter a monastery as a young male novice. There, propelled by her burning desire to survive, Zhu learns she can do whatever it takes, no matter how callous, to stay hidden from her fate.
I haven’t read a lot of China-centered fiction, so when I spotted Parker-Chan’s first book in her series, I decided it would be a good choice to step outside my comfort zone with. Parker-Chan did an excellent job telling not only Zhu Chongba’s story, but intertwining other key characters to give more substance to the world Zhu lived in. I especially enjoyed reading the chapters told from the eunuch general’s perspective.
I liked how unapologetic Zhu was about her desire to achieve greatness. Her wife didn’t agree with many of Zhu’s decisions, but that didn’t deter Zhu from doing what had to be done to cross the next bridge in her journey. I didn’t expect Zhu’s ultimate goal to be becoming emperor, but I don’t think Zhu did either when she was still a monk. That desire developed over time until it was obvious to Zhu that that was what she was meant to be. I’m interested to see where her journey in the next book takes her.
I love how bright the cover is, how it practically shouts from the shelf to be picked up. You can’t miss it, and that’s exactly what it wants. An added bonus to an already wonderful book.
She Who Became the Sun is a powerful story that historical fiction lovers will enjoy.
She Who Became the Sun Rating: ★★★★
I haven’t read a lot of China-centered fiction, so when I spotted Parker-Chan’s first book in her series, I decided it would be a good choice to step outside my comfort zone with. Parker-Chan did an excellent job telling not only Zhu Chongba’s story, but intertwining other key characters to give more substance to the world Zhu lived in. I especially enjoyed reading the chapters told from the eunuch general’s perspective.
I liked how unapologetic Zhu was about her desire to achieve greatness. Her wife didn’t agree with many of Zhu’s decisions, but that didn’t deter Zhu from doing what had to be done to cross the next bridge in her journey. I didn’t expect Zhu’s ultimate goal to be becoming emperor, but I don’t think Zhu did either when she was still a monk. That desire developed over time until it was obvious to Zhu that that was what she was meant to be. I’m interested to see where her journey in the next book takes her.
I love how bright the cover is, how it practically shouts from the shelf to be picked up. You can’t miss it, and that’s exactly what it wants. An added bonus to an already wonderful book.
She Who Became the Sun is a powerful story that historical fiction lovers will enjoy.
She Who Became the Sun Rating: ★★★★