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rnbhargava's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It’s about the Boxer Rebellion. The protagonist Little Bao comes to lead a group that aims to overthrow foreign interests in China. It’s his coming of age story. It’s wonderfully told. It’s emotional, it’s inspiring, it’s surprisingly quite violent in its imagery for a book aimed perhaps initially at quite young readers. However, it aims to provoke discussion. In that sense it’s exemplary and a must read regardless of age. On to the companion book Saints soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Murder, Religious bigotry, Violence, Misogyny, Fire/Fire injury, Blood, War, Death of parent, Gun violence, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, Gore, Confinement, Classism, Bullying, Hate crime, and Death
Moderate: Animal death, Alcohol, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Slavery, Body horror, Grief, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Xenophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, and Toxic friendship
All the triggers in this book are in service of showing the reality of this war but in a relatively all ages friendly manner. This is a must read and will inspire a lot of discussion of the conflicting themes and belief systems shown through this narrative. Do not miss out on this book. On to the companion book Saints soon.
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