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A review by ramen_4477
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
2.0
There's a good chance Xiran reads their Goodreads reviews so I'm gonna actually write something serious for this one. I am the exact target demographic for this book and set expectations that were perhaps a bit too high. The main issue I had with it was that the way it discussed its big issues - particularly systemic violence/discrimination against women - was not nuanced.
What exactly makes Zetian more liberated than other women? Women (like those in Zetian's family) don't just accept sexism and gender-based violence because they are "weak" - they endure it because it may be the only way for them to survive (and perhaps protect other women and/or their children) in an unfair system.
Problems aside, I thought the last tenth or so was really good. I think Xiran has excellent ideas and great potential as a writer, so I will definitely be reading their future books.
Footnote: Judging other women for having kids because you think they've been brainwashed by the patriarchy is cringe and 100% a You Problem.
What exactly makes Zetian more liberated than other women? Women (like those in Zetian's family) don't just accept sexism and gender-based violence because they are "weak" - they endure it because it may be the only way for them to survive (and perhaps protect other women and/or their children) in an unfair system.
Problems aside, I thought the last tenth or so was really good. I think Xiran has excellent ideas and great potential as a writer, so I will definitely be reading their future books.
Footnote: Judging other women for having kids because you think they've been brainwashed by the patriarchy is cringe and 100% a You Problem.