A review by serafyne
Fortress Besieged by Qian Zhongshu

challenging funny lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This is a satirical novel and at times the way the author describes his characters reminds me of Jane Austen making sarcastic asides in her novels. This author is far more cruel about his characters than she is though. 

There is also some really grotesque imagery which makes me think of Mervyn Peake.

There were bits I liked and bits I really didn't. None of the characters were particularly likable, I don't think they're supposed to be.