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A review by louiseriddles
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Could not stop reading. This book moves very fast and really grips you. I was feeling like this was more a 3.5-4 star book in the middle, but the ending really surprised me.
The best stuff: Strong women characters, intricate plot based on deceptions, strong voice of the main character, bisexual representation, strong social commentary on gender roles, abusive family dynamics, and celebrity culture
My only problems with the book were world-building issues around the role of women in their society. I don't know anything about Chinese culture so I'm not sure which parts were inspired by that. It was hard to tell when Zeitan's actions were outrageous to her society, or allowed due to her fame. HOWEVER it mirrored the real world's misogyny and double standards for women, so it felt very real.
Few other characters in this book were women. Most were either part of Zeitan's abusive family or very catty and hostile. While this book has great feminist themes, unfortunately it lacks multiple well developed women characters.
Finally, and this is simply personal preference, it did the thing of the main character falling in love with a violent person because they're misunderstood. The relationship makes sense, and aforementioned love interest has many underlying issues. But I don't like the trope of guy beating up other people as a romantic gesture. It's more complicated than that, but it was a tad annoying.
Finally this book is very dark, and discusses a lot of misogynistic issues(virginity tests, footbinding, rape), as well as death, murder, and torture.
Overall, great book, loved the main character.
The best stuff: Strong women characters, intricate plot based on deceptions, strong voice of the main character, bisexual representation, strong social commentary on gender roles, abusive family dynamics, and celebrity culture
My only problems with the book were world-building issues around the role of women in their society. I don't know anything about Chinese culture so I'm not sure which parts were inspired by that. It was hard to tell when Zeitan's actions were outrageous to her society, or allowed due to her fame. HOWEVER it mirrored the real world's misogyny and double standards for women, so it felt very real.
Few other characters in this book were women. Most were either part of Zeitan's abusive family or very catty and hostile. While this book has great feminist themes, unfortunately it lacks multiple well developed women characters.
Finally, and this is simply personal preference, it did the thing of the main character falling in love with a violent person because they're misunderstood. The relationship makes sense, and aforementioned love interest has many underlying issues. But I don't like the trope of guy beating up other people as a romantic gesture. It's more complicated than that, but it was a tad annoying.
Finally this book is very dark, and discusses a lot of misogynistic issues(virginity tests, footbinding, rape), as well as death, murder, and torture.
Overall, great book, loved the main character.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Alcoholism, Torture, War, Misogyny, Child death, Child abuse, Murder, and Suicide
Moderate: Domestic abuse
Minor: Rape and Suicidal thoughts