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agrausam's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
alphasyndrome's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
tivvny's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
"Every act of communication is a miracle of translation" - Ken Liu in Preface, The Paper Menagerie
This quote perfectly encapsulates how special Ken Liu's The Paper Menagerie is - it is an exemplar of the fact that science fiction and fantasy is a conduit for our values, morals and beliefs. The creative breadth given by this genre invites us not only to imagine a world so different from our own, but when sci-fi fantasy is written with intention, it can also invite us to confront the realities of our world. That is how Liu writes in The Paper Menagerie as he uses the genre in each of the short stories to explore Asian history and experience, particularly the experience of Asian diaspora in Western countries. Each story is incredibly unique and in-depth, some drawing from common genre tropes (e.g. robocops, forest spirits) whilst others explore entirely new takes on the genre. Though the last few stories to me lost the momentum and wow-factor of the earlier short stories, it is an overall strong collection that is definitely worth the read.
This quote perfectly encapsulates how special Ken Liu's The Paper Menagerie is - it is an exemplar of the fact that science fiction and fantasy is a conduit for our values, morals and beliefs. The creative breadth given by this genre invites us not only to imagine a world so different from our own, but when sci-fi fantasy is written with intention, it can also invite us to confront the realities of our world. That is how Liu writes in The Paper Menagerie as he uses the genre in each of the short stories to explore Asian history and experience, particularly the experience of Asian diaspora in Western countries. Each story is incredibly unique and in-depth, some drawing from common genre tropes (e.g. robocops, forest spirits) whilst others explore entirely new takes on the genre. Though the last few stories to me lost the momentum and wow-factor of the earlier short stories, it is an overall strong collection that is definitely worth the read.
headopener's review against another edition
4.0
I loved some of these shorts, the titular one in particular really hit me in the feels. Well worth the read despite the odd one feeling a bit poor in comparison, probably because the good ones really are good.
khushi__festus's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
elinidk's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bluejay21's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Racism
Moderate: Torture, Colonisation, Death, and Medical trauma
izythebizybee's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve mostly steered clear of science fiction ever since I’ve been introduced to it through corny readings in school, but Ken Liu breathes life into his stories that allow you to see your own life in them.
It was like a breath of fresh air to see niche folktales from my childhood that I thought no one cared about — the Butterfly Lovers, Guan Yu, the Monkey King — form their own story in this collection. Ken Liu’s stories touch on various parts of the struggle of finding your place in the world and the desire for self discovery, especially as an Asian American.
Also — “State Change” is so incredibly good. “The Paper Menagerie,” the book’s namesake, made me bawl like a baby.
Also (pt 2) — I will say it was strange to have two stories based on the premise of a redhead named Lily/Lilly getting to know an old Chinese man. But who am I to judge!
It was like a breath of fresh air to see niche folktales from my childhood that I thought no one cared about — the Butterfly Lovers, Guan Yu, the Monkey King — form their own story in this collection. Ken Liu’s stories touch on various parts of the struggle of finding your place in the world and the desire for self discovery, especially as an Asian American.
Also — “State Change” is so incredibly good. “The Paper Menagerie,” the book’s namesake, made me bawl like a baby.
Also (pt 2) — I will say it was strange to have two stories based on the premise of a redhead named Lily/Lilly getting to know an old Chinese man. But who am I to judge!