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A review by joyride
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
4.5
I've read a lot of debut novels for the past year. Some were clumsy, didn't live up to it's promise, or were simply executed poorly.
I've also listened to a lot audiobooks over the past year. A LOT. It makes reading easier and I finish books quicker. One of the downsides, however, is that sometimes I don't catch good prose. Personally, seeing words written out of me can make prose easier to detect and appreciate; that rarely happens when listening.
Neither happened with Iron Widow. Zhao's prose, vivid descriptions, and unique style absolutely shone through during my listen. Just in the first chapter I found myself already sucked into the world they had created, a bold and unapologetic East Asian epic. I really have never read anything like it. It's stunning. It doesn't stop at an original and fresh premise; it plows forward with incredible characters, a smart plot, and deft worldbuilding. They unapologetically weave Chinese terms, names and phrases into the book- and while I am not Chinese, I felt so happy they were just..doing that. Plus, Zhao barely falls into any of the tropes or tired terrain that many a fantasy author fall into.
Wu Zetian is a wonder to follow throughout the book, a fiery and downtrodden warrior who inspires change and fury. Not to mention, she is a cane and wheelchair user! Like- holy shit! Zhao just did That! Li Shimin is a complicated, lovely man who I love to bits. Yizhi...my beloved. And did I mention all of them are fuckin polyamorous. A triangle is the strongest shape. Zhao that That, yes they did.
Fuck any publisher who wants to cut Asian fantasy authors down, reduce their history and heritage in the name of "be palatable!" and "it won't sell!" Fuck you. Iron Widow is a celebration, and a triumph.
I've also listened to a lot audiobooks over the past year. A LOT. It makes reading easier and I finish books quicker. One of the downsides, however, is that sometimes I don't catch good prose. Personally, seeing words written out of me can make prose easier to detect and appreciate; that rarely happens when listening.
Neither happened with Iron Widow. Zhao's prose, vivid descriptions, and unique style absolutely shone through during my listen. Just in the first chapter I found myself already sucked into the world they had created, a bold and unapologetic East Asian epic. I really have never read anything like it. It's stunning. It doesn't stop at an original and fresh premise; it plows forward with incredible characters, a smart plot, and deft worldbuilding. They unapologetically weave Chinese terms, names and phrases into the book- and while I am not Chinese, I felt so happy they were just..doing that. Plus, Zhao barely falls into any of the tropes or tired terrain that many a fantasy author fall into.
Wu Zetian is a wonder to follow throughout the book, a fiery and downtrodden warrior who inspires change and fury. Not to mention, she is a cane and wheelchair user! Like- holy shit! Zhao just did That! Li Shimin is a complicated, lovely man who I love to bits. Yizhi...my beloved. And did I mention all of them are fuckin polyamorous. A triangle is the strongest shape. Zhao that That, yes they did.
Fuck any publisher who wants to cut Asian fantasy authors down, reduce their history and heritage in the name of "be palatable!" and "it won't sell!" Fuck you. Iron Widow is a celebration, and a triumph.