Anthony's Reviews > She Who Became the Sun

She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
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bookshelves: fantasy, poc-authors, queer-content, series, sf-group-2018, hugo-nominees
Read 2 times. Last read October 23, 2021 to November 2, 2021.

There is a great deal to admire about this ambitious novel: its central characters are vividly drawn, complex, and satisfyingly larger than life. Parker-Chan’s sense of place is authentic. And the genderqueer themes are a welcome presence in the landscape of mainstream fantasy literature. Where this book falls short for me is in its many chapters of palace and court intrigue; the inclusion of a vast cast of supporting players makes following the twisting threads of betrayals and shifting loyalties challenging and murky.

Still, over all, I’m glad to have spent time following this tale, and I’ll be interested to see its development in future installments.

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Reading Progress

Finished Reading
September 28, 2021 – Shelved as: fantasy
September 28, 2021 – Shelved as: poc-authors
September 28, 2021 – Shelved as: queer-content
September 28, 2021 – Shelved as: series
September 28, 2021 – Shelved as: sf-group-2018
October 23, 2021 – Started Reading
November 2, 2021 – Finished Reading
July 31, 2022 – Shelved as: hugo-nominees
July 26, 2024 – Shelved

Comments Showing 1-6 of 6 (6 new)

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message 1: by Jemppu (last edited Nov 02, 2021 10:42AM) (new)

Jemppu Out of curiosity: is it handled as 'queerness' within the universe, or as expected diversity?


Anthony I don’t understand your question.


message 3: by Jemppu (last edited Nov 02, 2021 11:07AM) (new)

Jemppu Hmm... hope this doesn't get more convoluted: is there a set norm in gender expression, which the 'queer' character(s) are seen 'diverging' from, or is the assumption of diversity inherently built into the book's presented culture(s)?

(That is to say: are they 'queer' in terms familiar to us, or in their own realm as well).


Anthony The setting is one in which traditional gender roles are expected to be filled. So the genderqueer characters are deviating from the norm.


message 5: by Jemppu (new)

Jemppu Ah. Thank you.


Erica This is very much how I felt.


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