She Who Became the Sun is a one-of-a-kind fantasy novel with ultra-mastered narration, published on May 18, 2022 by Bragelonne. To put in all hands.
She Who Became the Sun marks at first sight by several things. First of all, its incredible cover, which jumps to the eyes and which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful window displays of bookstores. The book is also striking by the summary that can be read on the 4th cover, which could too easily suggestthat this is only a repetition of Mulan. ButShe Who Became the Sun is much more than that.
We already recommended it in our guide to the best novels with lesbian characters: She Who Became the Sun has finally just been published by Bragelonne editions. This is arguably one of the best fantasy stories of the year. Because Shelley Parker-Chan’s novel, translated by Louise Malagoli, is not only an excellent first book, but above all it is unique in its genre and very accurately addresses a theme too often forgotten in fantasy: the fact of being queer.So do yourself a favor and immediately go to your bookstore to get this fantasy gem (or order it).
A story that has nothing to do with that of Mulan
The story ofShe Who Became the Sun takes place in a little-known period of Chinese history: during the Mongol stewardship in the 14th century. The old dynasties have been replaced by that established by the Mongol invader, who reserves the highest offices and titles of nobility to his own. The Han are forced into poverty. At that time, the country saw a great period of unrest, between famines and revolts.
It was in the middle of this particularly violent period that Zhu was born, the only girl of a poor peasant family in the south of the country, marked by famine. His mother and his other brothers had already died of hunger for a long time when his father brought him, with his only living brother, to see an oracle.
The latter predicts a great destiny for his brother, filled with glory, prestige and greatness. In Zhu, the oracle predicts nothing, a life of nothingness. But a few days later, during an attack by bandits, it is Zhu who survives, and his brother who dies.
Zhu will not be satisfied with the fate that has been predicted for him. The young girl will take advantage of the death of her brother, and take his place in the world to not only survive, but above all to try to have, too, the right to greatness.
This will certainly not have escaped those who have read the summary: there does not seem to be anything fantastic inShe Who Became the Sun. Numerama assures you: Shelley Parker-Chan’s book is indeed a fantasy novel.There are plenty of fantastical elements to the novel, although the political intrigue takes over and the magic only appears in small touches throughout the novel. It is not about the real history of China, nor that of the Ming dynasty, and all the protagonists are fictional characters in this story (however, we would have liked that Zhu had really existed).
Unique characters and extensive genre exploration
Zhu’s story is absolutely fascinating and reads with an impressive speed. But it’s not just her who drives the story. The other two main characters of the plot are Ma Xiuying, the daughter of a general of the rebellion, but especially General Ouyang, the warlord of the opposite camp and an unforgettable antagonist. The three protagonists perfectly balance the story and allow us to question Zhu’s increasingly extreme choices throughout the book.
But the most interesting aspect ofShe Who Became the Sun is undoubtedly its relationship to gender and sexuality. By making Zhu someone who, very young, has to live by pretending to be a man, Shelley Parker-Chan represents for the first time in fantasy a character who does not really fit into the boxes. If the word ” non-binary is never clearly posed, Zhu is clearly set up as a character queer, whose gender and sexuality are complex. In this,She Who Became the Sun is incredibly important, and finally gives us the opportunity to discover a character queer and Asian.
It is with great sadness that we closeShe Who Became the Sun, as the story is addictive. But rest assured: the book will have a sequel, although Shelley Parker-Chan has yet to announce a release date for the sequel to Zhu’s adventures.
Some links in this article are affiliate. We’ll explaine everything here.