She who became the Sun (Review)
She who became the Sun (Review)
o the only way I can describe this novel – it’s Mulan without the music, the side-kick dragon, all the feel-good nonsense of commercial franchising.
Hey, I have a thing for historical fictions about actual princesses. What can I say?
So, an unnamed girl exists in a central Chinese farmland during a horrific famine in 1345. Her brother, Zhu Chongba, is prophetized for greatness. And she, a grubby little famished thing, faces “nothing”. But when bandits ruin their shattered lives, her brother lays down and literally dies. And the grubby little girl, she takes his place. His fate shall be hers. Masquerading as a boy, she manages to get food and an education playing her brother’s role in a monastery. Unlike “Mulan”, who sings and uses her head to solve little problems, Zhu uses her ruthlessness to get what she needs. Eventually she learns that to achieve her fate, she will have to be more ruthless than ruthless. And is she ever ruthless.
About midway through the book, we actually split into two political dramas; her side, which involves the posturing of the Chinese rebellion, and the evil Mongols, which are much scarier than the cartoon boogiemen from Disney. Both political courses of action lead towards a series of final conflicts between herself, the positioning Chinese nobles and the barbarians.
I have to say, in the end, her ruthlessness knows no bounds.
You know, I once wrote a novel about Hannibal. His own ruthlessness was legendary, but the writing coach rejected it – he couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea of a hero not “playing fair”. So, applause from me to author Shelley Parker-Chan for going that route, for making a protagonist who makes difficult choices. Otherwise, if you are going to sugarcoat it, put in a cute dragon and let’s eat popcorn and sing along.
Great book of historical fiction. I very much approve of adult subjects carried to realistic conclusions. Have a peek!