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A review by katsbooks
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
“I am going to tell you a story you already know. But listen carefully, because within it is one you have never heard before.”
“Speak for those less fortunate than yourself, who will need your help. Speak for the ones who will come after you, looking to you for guidance. Stay true, daughter. One day, you will see it all go up in flames.”
“Wishes have a habit of surprising their makers.”
This was such a unique novel. I'm not sure I've ever read a book like this. The content was super interesting. It definitely set me down a rabbit hole. I spent a solid afternoon researching Mozart and his family while I was reading this. The story was whimsical and really brought the vibes. If you like atmospheric reads, you'll probably like this. Personally, I was here for the feminist commentary and how Nannerl struggled with her experience in the time and place that she existed. I felt her pain and struggle.
I'm not entirely sure what I didn't love about it. I had just come off of a slightly slower book that took a while for me to get through so the pace of this book, I think, just wasn't what I was looking for. I'm also not convinced that I like magical realism. I think I need to read a few more before I decide but the magical portions were interesting but didn't necessarily hold my attention. It's also entirely possible that I just don't love historical fiction as much as I wish I did. I used to like it as a kid but, as I've gotten older, I think my tastes have just changed.
“Speak for those less fortunate than yourself, who will need your help. Speak for the ones who will come after you, looking to you for guidance. Stay true, daughter. One day, you will see it all go up in flames.”
“Wishes have a habit of surprising their makers.”
This was such a unique novel. I'm not sure I've ever read a book like this. The content was super interesting. It definitely set me down a rabbit hole. I spent a solid afternoon researching Mozart and his family while I was reading this. The story was whimsical and really brought the vibes. If you like atmospheric reads, you'll probably like this. Personally, I was here for the feminist commentary and how Nannerl struggled with her experience in the time and place that she existed. I felt her pain and struggle.
I'm not entirely sure what I didn't love about it. I had just come off of a slightly slower book that took a while for me to get through so the pace of this book, I think, just wasn't what I was looking for. I'm also not convinced that I like magical realism. I think I need to read a few more before I decide but the magical portions were interesting but didn't necessarily hold my attention. It's also entirely possible that I just don't love historical fiction as much as I wish I did. I used to like it as a kid but, as I've gotten older, I think my tastes have just changed.