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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
If you're reading this review please know that I have the feminine urge to gatekeep this book, but then I realize Zhong Liang deserves better than a possessive behavior from me.
You might be wondering "What is this book about?" "What makes it so special?"
Well...I will try my best to describe it.
Strange Beasts of China is a collection of short stories about *intense music* *drum-rolling* strange beasts in China!
All the stories in this book are set in a fictional Chinese city called Yong'an where humans and beasts co-habit alongside one another. In every chapter, our unnamed main character, an ex-zoologist turned writer, encounters different beasts around Yong'an and learns more about the creatures.
What I like about this book is that each chapter opens with a very serious explanation of different types of beasts outlining their characteristics, diet, and how they breed. The opening of each chapter is written in a very scientific way, so you would think that this is a peer-reviewed paper.
I love how Yan Ge explores the stories of each beast and makes us slowly realize that there is more to these creatures than what is written on their "Wikipedia" pages. I thought it was interesting how she experimented with the "grey areas" and explored the emotions and history of the beasts, rather than going the easy way and stating that Beasts = Monsters = Evil.
Another thing I love about this book is Zhong Liang, my sweet summer child, I deserve him so much.
Zhong Liang is a side-kick of the main character (who happens to be handsome and rich, as he should be). He spent his childhood in a safe environment with emotionally and financially stable parents. He then grew up to be a loving young man whom I deserve so much. There's something very entertaining and endearing about him.
Does this mean that the book is perfect?
Of course not. The episodic nature of this book means we can only explore the universe and it characters in a very limited way, and that's the reason many reader do not like this storytelling format.
But again, I personally love short story. I never really feel the need to know everything about a universe or everything about a character. I think It's enough to know only what they think I need to know. So this book being episodic not really a deal breaker for me.
You might be wondering "What is this book about?" "What makes it so special?"
Well...I will try my best to describe it.
Strange Beasts of China is a collection of short stories about *intense music* *drum-rolling* strange beasts in China!
All the stories in this book are set in a fictional Chinese city called Yong'an where humans and beasts co-habit alongside one another. In every chapter, our unnamed main character, an ex-zoologist turned writer, encounters different beasts around Yong'an and learns more about the creatures.
What I like about this book is that each chapter opens with a very serious explanation of different types of beasts outlining their characteristics, diet, and how they breed. The opening of each chapter is written in a very scientific way, so you would think that this is a peer-reviewed paper.
I love how Yan Ge explores the stories of each beast and makes us slowly realize that there is more to these creatures than what is written on their "Wikipedia" pages. I thought it was interesting how she experimented with the "grey areas" and explored the emotions and history of the beasts, rather than going the easy way and stating that Beasts = Monsters = Evil.
Another thing I love about this book is Zhong Liang, my sweet summer child, I deserve him so much.
Zhong Liang is a side-kick of the main character (who happens to be handsome and rich, as he should be). He spent his childhood in a safe environment with emotionally and financially stable parents. He then grew up to be a loving young man whom I deserve so much. There's something very entertaining and endearing about him.
Spoiler
And the plot twist about him at the end? I AM SOLD. Yan Ge, please take all my money.Does this mean that the book is perfect?
Of course not. The episodic nature of this book means we can only explore the universe and it characters in a very limited way, and that's the reason many reader do not like this storytelling format.
But again, I personally love short story. I never really feel the need to know everything about a universe or everything about a character. I think It's enough to know only what they think I need to know. So this book being episodic not really a deal breaker for me.
I will give a solid 3.75/5 stars for this book. I listened to it on audio and found it very engaging. Some of the stories had really excellent twists that I did not see coming, while others, maybe weren’t as satisfying. I also really liked where it ended and the message it had about the beastly nature of humanity.
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The real strange beasts of China were the friends we made along the way.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Violence, Vomit
3.5 rounded down. The front half felt like it was basically all vibes with no plot, but I was grooving on the vibes. The back half actual built more of an overarching plot and it honestly didn't interest me as much.
Yan Ge has a way with words that moved me to tears. Strange Beasts of China is a beautiful work, one that will have you trying to weave the pieces of the stories together before you're given them. I'd hate to give too much away to spoil anyone, so I'll only say: please give this story the chance it deserves.