Book Review — The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang (2018)
For those who are fond to read a fantasy with a spice of historical fiction, myths, horror, and action, this book is obligated to be read! It’s been a long time since the last time I am intrigued by a novel this much. I’m completely in love with the characters and Chinese Universe portrayed in the novel. The imagery seems so real and it feels like I’m there with Rin, Kitay, and Altan to protect Sinegard.
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to R.F. Kuang who has been able to write this wonderful masterpiece. This is the best debut book that I’ve read so far during my reading journey. Kuang is succeeded to express the intricate world of Nikan Empire. The society portrayed in the novel is very well presented, that they are living based on social status. The upper-class who control the empire, the middle-class who are the merchants and soldiers, and lastly the lower-class like farmers.
Kuang has greatly articulated the complex situation encounter by the main character of the novel namely Fang Runin or usually called as Rin. She has no parents and living with her stepmother and stepfather who treat her badly. She is overworked and couldn’t get an education. Her parents were dead because of a war.
Rin’s stepmother wanted her to marry someone, but Rin refused to get married. She took a risk to study hard, follow the Keju examination, and make it into Sinegard; the best academy throughout the country. The journey just begins when she entered Sinegard, she found out about her background, her true-self, friends, family, and her powerful ability there.
The journey of Rin in Sinegard and her contribution to the war in Nikan Empire with another Empire is described in detail very well. I don’t get boring at all. Every page, every word, and every line are worth reading. For your information, I read the Indonesian version, but I have nothing to say. The translation quality is marvelous, the readability and the acceptance are beyond average. I have no obstacle understanding the Chinese culture as well.
Let me share with you, my most favorite quote from this novel;“Great danger is always associated with great power. The difference between the great and the mediocre is that the great are willing to take the risk.”
So cool right? Oh my god! This quote reminds me that those who want to become successful in life shall be brave to take the risk. In other words, high risk — high return.
Overall, I strongly recommend you to read this piece of a fantasy novel. You will gain a lot of perspectives about the world, life lessons, and the most important thing is entertainment hehe
