A review by magneticcrow
Strange Beasts of China by Yan Ge

dark emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I loved this. The structure of the book is that each chapter focuses on a species of these sentient, generally humanoid Beasts that live in the city of Yong’an - their history, their biology, their favorite foods, the industry they work in. But each chapter includes the trials and travails of the writer as well, and they add up to a singular overarching story that is funny and poignant and satisfying. 
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