REVIEW
I find that this novella has a very strong writing, what I didn’t find, though, was any connection towards any of the characters or the plot itself.
“Something wants to eat you,” called Almost Brilliant from her perch in a nearby tree, “and I shall not be sorry if it does.”
Even as I try, I cannot seem to recall what this first line was even trying to achieve. Were they on a friendly game, perhaps—wandering about the meadows, giving each other a fright? Or, were they in actual danger—a friend warning another of something cautious?
It is, by now, safe to assume, how weak the link this book sent out to me was. Of course, I felt a searing heat whilst I was in the process of reading the book. You could say that I tried to reach out for the warmth within the story, but the searing is far from being just warm.
“If a record cannot be perfect, it should at least be present. Better for it to exist than for it to be perfect and only in your mind.”
I completely agree with this passage from the book. It may also be interpreted as something that isn’t completely perfect for one may find themselves in the hands of another who’ll see it in a different angle of light.
There is, within me, a deep appreciation for the storytelling Nghi Vo offered us within this magical realm of hers. Her creation of this world was not able to reach my heart, but I’m sure it will others.
“Angry mothers raise daughters fierce enough to fight wolves.”
I may not be able to fully acknowledge the nuance of Vo’s unique story within a story, or connect with the creatures who’ve lived their lives in the tale, but I see them, I hear their stories and I strongly believe it’s something someone will adore and find themselves in. Unfortunately, this time, it wasn’t for me.
2 thoughts on “The Empress of Salt and Fortune Review”
I vividly remember my adoration for this book. I am sorry it did not worl the se way Jon but I appreciate your honest review. Neat writing, btw!
This book’s best quote for me would be: “Accuracy above all things. You will never remember the great
if you do not remember the small.”
Thank you! I did see your review for this book and it saddens me how it didn’t have the same effect on me. But, alas, we cannot all have the same experiences.