mepearedpages 's review for:

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

4.0

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I put this book off for a long time because I thought it was going to be strictly sad and focused on World War II. When I finally picked it up—on a mad rush to finish before it was due—I was surprised at how much it challenged me to think.

The story digs into big questions: Why do bad things happen to good people? Why were imperfect beings made in the first place? What does it mean to rely on gods or higher powers—are they truly guiding, or simply ways for us to process suffering?

One idea that really struck me was how the book reflects the unfair truth that those who don’t have must work harder than those who do. A few lines stood out as especially powerful:

• “Wealthy can afford to be victimized by the city because they have room to fail.”
• “It was simply what happened when one race decided that the other was insignificant.”

At its heart, The Poppy War is more than just a war story. It’s about challenging stereotypes, fighting to be the best, and finding the strength to dig deep within yourself. Some characters were surprisingly delightful, and I especially enjoyed the moments where enemies became friends.

Still, the book doesn’t shy away from showing the heavy cost of war—the price of winning, and what is lost along the way. It’s both fascinating and devastating, and it lingers long after you close the last page.