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A Desolation Called Peace
4/5. Less complex than the first book, but still compelling. I've read multiple reviews which complain about the structure of this book, which gives away its "twist" in the prologue. I don't think that's the right way to think about this. The book works better when it tells you, up front and plain as day, that it is about collectivity and groupthink and the drive to colonize, and the amazing things that can create and the amazing things it can destroy. And how to subvert that kind of collective will from within and without. It's not about the characters figuring out the plot, it's about the reader knowing the answer (which, let's be real, is very obvious anyway) and watching the ways the characters are or are not equipped to grasp it depending on their relation to the empire. Mind you, I'm not sure Martine quite pulled all of that off, but it was a good effort.
Less complex than the first book, like I said, but more squarely interested in the conflict between Three Seagrass and Mahit, and how Three Seagrass can be both wonderful and terribly indoctrinated into the most poisonous aspects of her culture at the same time. Purity culture tumblr is not going to get this book at all, it having nuance and compassion for everyone and all that.
Also, the women everywhere in these books continue to be great. Including the ones who just randomly get to be fat while being powerful, and it's not a thing, just a fact.
4/5. Less complex than the first book, but still compelling. I've read multiple reviews which complain about the structure of this book, which gives away its "twist" in the prologue. I don't think that's the right way to think about this. The book works better when it tells you, up front and plain as day, that it is about collectivity and groupthink and the drive to colonize, and the amazing things that can create and the amazing things it can destroy. And how to subvert that kind of collective will from within and without. It's not about the characters figuring out the plot, it's about the reader knowing the answer (which, let's be real, is very obvious anyway) and watching the ways the characters are or are not equipped to grasp it depending on their relation to the empire. Mind you, I'm not sure Martine quite pulled all of that off, but it was a good effort.
Less complex than the first book, like I said, but more squarely interested in the conflict between Three Seagrass and Mahit, and how Three Seagrass can be both wonderful and terribly indoctrinated into the most poisonous aspects of her culture at the same time. Purity culture tumblr is not going to get this book at all, it having nuance and compassion for everyone and all that.
Also, the women everywhere in these books continue to be great. Including the ones who just randomly get to be fat while being powerful, and it's not a thing, just a fact.