A review by luciuh
The Emperor's Babe by Bernardine Evaristo

  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Very fun good book but the vibes r def 3.5 stars for me immediately after finishing it. I really really enjoyed the writing style and the characterization of the individuals presented throughout the book. It’s immensely entertaining to read the hypocrisy of Zuelika and come to understand her as a person through the different fragments of life that play out for us throughout the novel. This is my second novel from Evaristo and i’ve found she’s immensely skilled at creating believable, flawed, and interesting characters. The Emperor’s Babe raises a lot of questions about  patriarchy and the way it affects how relationships form, both historically and now in the contemporary world. It also creates discussion surrounding morality, empathy, and the impact of environment on how people grow and develop. Really enjoyed this novel.

edit: i think it’s mildly transphobic through one of the side characters 
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