A review by shannon_magee
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

adventurous challenging dark reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

The fascinating thing about this book is you can see why all the different details and plot points are at work and be completely absorbed by the mechanics of the story, even as your cringing at 80% of the characters (including the main one). A great encapsulation of toxic masculinity at the personal, societal, and cultural levels, which can make it difficult to read if you’re already living under the shadow of an oppressive patriarchal society and not privileged enough to be among those for whom the society was created to cater to (which, most of us are).

The prose is beautiful, the story engaging, and there are enough clever twists and political riddles to keep a reader completely absorbed.
On a personal note, it’s wild to me how I can remain interested in Zhu’s journey and want her to succeed against the other big players, even as I lose all respect for her along the way. The lack of empathy she displays and the selfishness she embodies in striving towards her goal, fully knowing she will hurt those closest to her along the way, is a bit revolting. It’s a selfishness on par with the awful men vying for power and it’s disappointing this story champions someone who seems to choose becoming like the worst toxic male leaders (in actions, at least) instead of becoming BETTER than them. I know the writer is displaying the negatives of these systems, but I’m having a main character act this way and succeed, the message still seems to give the actions conducted in these systems a pass and that’s hard to read
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