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A review by alexbirdreads
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
5.0
This book is absolutely incredible. Every time you think you understand where it's going to go, you get a better story instead. If you asked me to predict where the story was going when I was a third of the way in, I would've described a completely different world. Which makes sense. After everything that happens in this story, it makes sense that none of the characters are left the same. All of the characters are so detailed and dynamic, and even though each is different from the other, you can understand why they are the way they are and where they're coming from. The story as a whole constantly makes you re-think how you look at each character and the world (and humanity) itself.
This book is also deeply haunting. It's hard to say I enjoyed the end, because I don't think anyone could enjoy that much suffering and anguish. But I was very drawn in by the characters' reactions to the horror around them, and I respect that the author refuses to let you look away or gloss over the worst parts of war. I also really respect the author's commitment to making the protagonist very fleshed out, flawed, and human, even if that means
I think this book shows you the full spectrum of humanity and human responses to such incomprehensible violence and bloodshed. I'm prone to identify with responses from characters like Kintay and Jiang the hardest, but all of them felt authentic and understandable.
I have no idea how it will feel to move forward with the rest of the trilogy, what to expect, or even if I'm really ready for more of this story again. But damn if I'm not impressed by how deep and rich the writing is and how melted my brain feels after this book.
This book is also deeply haunting. It's hard to say I enjoyed the end, because I don't think anyone could enjoy that much suffering and anguish. But I was very drawn in by the characters' reactions to the horror around them, and I respect that the author refuses to let you look away or gloss over the worst parts of war. I also really respect the author's commitment to making the protagonist very fleshed out, flawed, and human, even if that means
Spoiler
you're left wondering "Oh god, is Rin the bad guy? When did Rin become the bad guy?"I think this book shows you the full spectrum of humanity and human responses to such incomprehensible violence and bloodshed. I'm prone to identify with responses from characters like Kintay and Jiang the hardest, but all of them felt authentic and understandable.
I have no idea how it will feel to move forward with the rest of the trilogy, what to expect, or even if I'm really ready for more of this story again. But damn if I'm not impressed by how deep and rich the writing is and how melted my brain feels after this book.