With the heart of an Atwood tale and the visuals of a classic Asian period drama The Empress of Salt and Fortune is a tightly and lushly written narrative about empire, storytelling, and the anger of women.
A young royal from the far north is sent south for a political marriage. Alone and sometimes reviled, she has only her servants on her side. This evocative debut chronicles her rise to power through the eyes of her handmaiden, at once feminist high fantasy and a thrilling indictment of monarchy.
I'm finding the most success with reading novellas and short stories right now. The Empress of Salt and Fortune is the perfect book for these times of being unable to focus. Not only is The Empress of Salt and Fortune novella length, each chapter is it's own little experience.
The Empress of Salt and Fortune is not strong on plot (which will be a blessing to some right now though I do usually prefer a stronger plot), but it's a beautiful book. The prose is gorgeous, and it makes for a wonderful read.
I would love to read more books by Nghi Vo.
⭐⭐⭐⭐★
Review copy provided by publisher
I'm not sure why I didn't request this, but now I wish I had. It sounds like a perfect novella to tackle right now😁
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like an interesting book. I've been reading a few novellas right now too.
ReplyDeleteI saw Overdrive just got a copy of this in so I put it on hold. I think you're totally right about novellas and I'm actually starting one tonight!
ReplyDeleteSounds pretty good! I think novellas and short stories are nice right now with everything going on. My concentration for reading long involved books has been way down.
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