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wendy_leigh_reads 's review for:
The Poppy War
by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The world building is great and I wish we were allowed to live in it more than being dragged around in Rin's thoughts. She is unlikeable, often contradictory, and whiny. Hated the subtle antifeminist themes like forgiving Altan's abuse because he suffered, and literally having a hysterectomy after one period because it makes women 'weak'. It especially sucks knowing it's a woman author. On the flipside, RF Kuang's writing is (as always) really good. I think when you're frustrated that you don't get to be in the world an author created more, it's because they're a good writer with a great imagination. I just feel like she missed the mark in a lot of aspects. I won't read the follow up books. I love her other books though and look forward to reading more by her in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism