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A review by lauremi
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
i loved the initial concept, so i hate to say it, but this was one of the worst books i’ve ever read.
it tries way too hard to make everything about feminism, but then there are lines in the book such as “he stumbled like a girl.” it tries to make a statement about an uncontrollable abuse of power, but instead of restoring equality, the book ends with the protagonist also abusing this same power. this whole book is fueled by the emotions of rage and grief, which is understandable given the topic, but it provides no depth to the plot or the characters.
this book felt like it was originally written as a bad fan fiction. there were so many cringy lines and subplots that made me want to stop reading entirely, but with how far into the book i was, i felt the need to finish it (spoiler alert- the ending wasn’t worth it). everything felt very rushed and sloppy, and overall, i wish i never picked this book up in the first place.
it tries way too hard to make everything about feminism, but then there are lines in the book such as “he stumbled like a girl.” it tries to make a statement about an uncontrollable abuse of power, but instead of restoring equality, the book ends with the protagonist also abusing this same power. this whole book is fueled by the emotions of rage and grief, which is understandable given the topic, but it provides no depth to the plot or the characters.
this book felt like it was originally written as a bad fan fiction. there were so many cringy lines and subplots that made me want to stop reading entirely, but with how far into the book i was, i felt the need to finish it (spoiler alert- the ending wasn’t worth it). everything felt very rushed and sloppy, and overall, i wish i never picked this book up in the first place.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, and Torture