writersrelief's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The novel follows an unnamed Chinese woman whose screen name becomes Luli Wei, a name she stole from her sister. Even though she’s hired by a monstrous studio executive, Luli insists on “no maids, no funny talking, no fainting flowers.” While this insistence on substantial roles leads to struggles finding work, Luli eventually makes her mark as a vengeful siren in a series of monster movies. Along the way, she becomes friends and lovers with other actors who are forced to conceal their true selves in order to stay employed.
Nghi Vo is masterful at world building. Her spare yet sparkling prose made it easy to visualize this world, yet she doesn’t overexplain its rules—she allows readers to immerse themselves enough to take this environment on its own terms. This gives her space to explore themes of sacrifice and betrayal, particularly when one is living at the intersections of Asian and lesbian identities. We found the recurring theme of names powerful, particularly how names are given and taken away from the characters throughout the book. Also fascinating is how the protagonist’s siren character, ostensibly sexist and racist, proves a source of empowerment.
A unique and unforgettable reimagining of the much-fabled early Hollywood years, SIREN QUEEN will enthrall and empower.
Moderate: Injury/injury detail, Violence, Lesbophobia, Sexual content, Racism, and Emotional abuse
ghosthermione's review against another edition
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, and Pregnancy
musebeliever's review
5.0
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Child abuse and Emotional abuse
Minor: Incest
rorikae's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Luli Wang grows up above the laundry her family runs in Hungarian Hill. When she discovers her local movie theater and sees her first silent film, she falls in love with the movies. When offered the chance to be an extra in a movie shooting in her neighborhood, she jumps at the opportunity. This sets her on the path to becoming a film star herself, navigating the haunting backlots of the Hollywood studios, her own sexuality, and the racism that permeates society.
Vo pairs her lyrical prose with a paranormal take on early Hollywood to create a haunting tale about the film industry, stardom, and racism. Luli Wang is the perfect main character between her confidence, willingness to disrupt systems, and determination to be a star without playing servants or femme fatales like her predecessors.
One of the greatest aspects of this novel is the atmosphere. I felt almost as if I was in a dream between Vo's prose, the shifting paranormal world of demons and deals that is the backlot of the studios, and the way Vo amplifies history through speculative elements. I was never quite sure what was happening but that was intentional as Luli is dealing with the same issues. She stands so clearly amongst this shifting world that it further solidifies her character.
I also loved the overall themes in this story including the importance of monstrosity, living as a queer person amongst a world that tries to suppress you, and the racism and misogyny of Hollywood.
If you enjoyed 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' but would like to see what it would be like with more monsters and speculative elements, you need to pick up 'Siren Queen.' I think it's Vo's greatest work yet and I can't wait to see where she goes next.
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
internationalreads's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Abortion, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Forced institutionalization, Outing, Body horror, Drug use, Sexism, Sexual content, Abandonment, Body shaming, Classism, Gaslighting, Misogyny, Alcohol, Child abuse, Dysphoria, Infidelity, Lesbophobia, Racial slurs, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, Vomit, Fatphobia, Racism, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, and Cultural appropriation