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A review by emptzuu
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Did not finish book.
The setting of the book is depicted with remarkable realism and attention to detail that immerses readers in the harsh realities of war. The palpable atmosphere, characterized by starvation and sickness, can be difficult to stomach at times, effectively conveying the horrors of the characters' circumstances. This grim backdrop serves primarily as a backdrop for the narrative's exploration of control and manipulation, rather than a conventional romance.
The initial encounter between Alexander and Tatiana, where he essentially stalks her, raises questions about the romanticism of their relationship. Throughout the narrative, Alexander's actions reveal a concerning pattern of control. During social gatherings, he imposes expectations on her, insisting she serves him tea and dictating her actions, with threats looming if she dares to defy him. His possessiveness reaches alarming levels as he becomes enraged when she shows attention to other boys.
The first sexual encounter between them, significant as Tatiana's first time, is fraught with dialogue where she expresses anxiety and hesitation, repeatedly asking him to stop. However, he disregards her requests, insisting and pressuring her further, showing insensitivity to her discomfort and boundaries.
What exacerbates the problematic nature of this scene is Alexander's fixation on Tatiana's youth and purity. He repeatedly questions her about her past experiences, displaying a disturbing obsession with her sexual history, which feels objectifying and uncomfortable, especially considering the age gap between them.
Alexander consistently undermines Tatiana's individuality and autonomy. He effectively erases her personhood, reducing her to a vessel for his desires and a servant to cater to his needs. And if this isn't enough, Alexander takes his egregious behavior to the next level. In a fit of rage, he physically intimidates Tatiana and asserts his entitlement over her body.
The initial encounter between Alexander and Tatiana, where he essentially stalks her, raises questions about the romanticism of their relationship. Throughout the narrative, Alexander's actions reveal a concerning pattern of control. During social gatherings, he imposes expectations on her, insisting she serves him tea and dictating her actions, with threats looming if she dares to defy him. His possessiveness reaches alarming levels as he becomes enraged when she shows attention to other boys.
The first sexual encounter between them, significant as Tatiana's first time, is fraught with dialogue where she expresses anxiety and hesitation, repeatedly asking him to stop. However, he disregards her requests, insisting and pressuring her further, showing insensitivity to her discomfort and boundaries.
What exacerbates the problematic nature of this scene is Alexander's fixation on Tatiana's youth and purity. He repeatedly questions her about her past experiences, displaying a disturbing obsession with her sexual history, which feels objectifying and uncomfortable, especially considering the age gap between them.
Alexander consistently undermines Tatiana's individuality and autonomy. He effectively erases her personhood, reducing her to a vessel for his desires and a servant to cater to his needs. And if this isn't enough, Alexander takes his egregious behavior to the next level. In a fit of rage, he physically intimidates Tatiana and asserts his entitlement over her body.
I married you so I could fuck you anytime I felt like it! . . . Anytime, Tania! What else do you think a soldier on furlough could possibly want? And if I hadn’t married you, all of Lazarevo would now be calling you my whore!
This culminates in an act of non-consensual penetration and while he eventually apologizes, the fact that he expects absolution after practically assaulting her is deeply unsettling. Tatiana's silence and lack of response speak volumes, and the reader is left feeling disgusted by his actions. It's no wonder that, at this point, one begins to wish for his demise in the war.
The book continues to depict unhealthy interactions between the husband and wife, normalizing and even promoting abuse and manipulation. The lack of condemnation for Alexander's actions and the constant apologies from the female lead for upsetting him further exacerbate the issue.
Overall, the book sells itself as a love story but portrays a dynamic where the female lead is only shown love when she behaves according to her husband's wishes, serving him and acquiescing to his desires without question.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and War