A review by deb_reads_books_
The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Phoenix Pencil Company tells the story of Monica, a computer coding student, and her grandmother, Yun, a Chinese immigrant with a rich history from 1940s Shanghai. Monica sets out to help Yun, who is starting to lose her memory to Alzheimers, to find her cousin, Meng, who still lives in Shanghai. Along the way, Monica meets Louise, who is an acquaintance of Meng. The narration of the story is told through Monica’s online journal, and Yun’s handwritten letters to Meng. Along the way, we learn about the Japanese Occupation of China, discover Yun & Meng’s magical story, and witness Monica and Louise catch feels. 
 
I could not put down The Phoenix Pencil Company. Allison King tells a unique, sapphic story from an unexpected perspective. I learned more about China’s history during WWII as well as culture, tied into a tale about magic and the power of love. 
 
Allison King effortlessly intertwined Chinese history, supernatural elements, and sapphic romance in her storytelling. 
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