Scan barcode
A review by amalyndb
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
4.5
I think it took me until around a quarter of the way in for this novel to really grab me. I also recognize that I've been running a low-grade fever and that might be part of why it took me a while.
Misogynistic society, reinforced by family members. Young women being sold into marriage or near-certain death as batteries for male mecha operators, to support the success of sons.
And yet, this grabbed me and I had a hard time putting it down.
Mechs / mechas haven't really been of interest to me in the past. Partially that generally I've encountered them in endless war contexts, and that just hasn't felt appealing to me.
This feels for me similar to brain/brawn ships, and other conjoined minds working together in various sci-fi.
Am curious where other works will go, as the twist at the end was something.
Misogynistic society, reinforced by family members. Young women being sold into marriage or near-certain death as batteries for male mecha operators, to support the success of sons.
And yet, this grabbed me and I had a hard time putting it down.
Mechs / mechas haven't really been of interest to me in the past. Partially that generally I've encountered them in endless war contexts, and that just hasn't felt appealing to me.
This feels for me similar to brain/brawn ships, and other conjoined minds working together in various sci-fi.
Am curious where other works will go, as the twist at the end was something.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Misogyny, and Violence
Minor: Rape