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A review by mariedaniella
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
dark
slow-paced
5.0
The Poppy War is one among the growing number of books that I’ve been introduced to by bookstagram and booktube (particularly @brunchofbooks and @fictionalfates this time) and that then easily became one of my favorite books ever.
I think that there’s much to be discussed with the book’s overarching themes and a plot heavily inspired by historical events like the Second Sino-Japanese War. This book made me think and feel very deeply and I absolutely loved it.
But what was most interesting for me reading this book was the main character, Rin. She was complicated. Admittedly, I tend to prefer the "heroic" leads in fantasy and Rin isn’t one of them so it was a bit difficult for me to read. Most of her decisions did not sit well with me and it was devastating and made me angry a few times and, yet, I still found myself rooting for her throughout the story. She is heartbreaking but I also understand and empathize with her.
Another thing that I loved is how the book didn’t shy away from brutally presenting war and the themes surrounding it. It made for a heavy, grim, and dark atmosphere and plot but also grounded and impactful truths. Thus, the storytelling was very gripping and compelling.
I can honestly talk about this book for days because of how much I love it. I cried so much—I might say this a lot but it's not an exaggeration this time. Actual tears were spilled. One of my best reads this year! 🔥
I think that there’s much to be discussed with the book’s overarching themes and a plot heavily inspired by historical events like the Second Sino-Japanese War. This book made me think and feel very deeply and I absolutely loved it.
But what was most interesting for me reading this book was the main character, Rin. She was complicated. Admittedly, I tend to prefer the "heroic" leads in fantasy and Rin isn’t one of them so it was a bit difficult for me to read. Most of her decisions did not sit well with me and it was devastating and made me angry a few times and, yet, I still found myself rooting for her throughout the story. She is heartbreaking but I also understand and empathize with her.
Another thing that I loved is how the book didn’t shy away from brutally presenting war and the themes surrounding it. It made for a heavy, grim, and dark atmosphere and plot but also grounded and impactful truths. Thus, the storytelling was very gripping and compelling.
I can honestly talk about this book for days because of how much I love it. I cried so much—I might say this a lot but it's not an exaggeration this time. Actual tears were spilled. One of my best reads this year! 🔥