I've only read the first book so far, and I nearly threw up when I read that scene where Venka talks about what happened to her. That is the kind of tone stories should have when they talk about rape, because it's horrifying and disgusting. There's way too many books where it's lowkey sexualized.
I felt the same way, it was horrifying and I'm glad that kuang didn't shy away from it, it was really well handled compared to other books. It's not easy to read, but I hope you continue with the series! I really loved it, despite some flaws.
Very well written essay, it sounds like a fascinating series (though horrifying).
I think a few points referenced here (specifically that love is not enough, and social context cannot be escaped) are particularly interesting because they're so rarely encountered in fiction - you simply don't (or almost never) see stories of this kind, because it's not marketable, and people would rather read the Romeo and Juliet happy sex-positive romance, which can be trusted to sell well and won't be too upsetting. Kuang is kind of saying something very unmarketable, unfashionable, and untherapeutic (that love doesn't conquer all), and that's commendable.
Yes, it's very good but very hard to read. And I agree, I think it's bold of Kuang to reject the narrative of love as this idealized, perfect thing, and actually engage with the reality of love and desire. Some people will dislike the ending because of that, but to me it's the only way that the story could have stayed true to its message.
Honestly, you’ve kind of changed my opinion on the series with this article. I have only read the first books and was not a very big fan but your analysis of the themes brings a new perspective that changes the way in which I had interpreted the work. I do think the fact that R.F. Kuang is a women is an integral part as to why she handles sexual assault, and the relationship between sex and power in such a nuanced way. And of course because she is an extremely talented writer. Anyways I loved your essay :)
Thank you for reading, I'm glad I was able to change your mind about the series! It's certainly not for everyone, and I understand if the series didn't work for you, but there's a lot that I think is worth talking about. As you say, Kuang is very talented, and it shows in how she writes about this topic.
I've only read the first book so far, and I nearly threw up when I read that scene where Venka talks about what happened to her. That is the kind of tone stories should have when they talk about rape, because it's horrifying and disgusting. There's way too many books where it's lowkey sexualized.
I felt the same way, it was horrifying and I'm glad that kuang didn't shy away from it, it was really well handled compared to other books. It's not easy to read, but I hope you continue with the series! I really loved it, despite some flaws.
I agree, Venka describing her rape is one of the most horrific accounts of sexual violence I’ve ever read in a fantasy novel
Very well written essay, it sounds like a fascinating series (though horrifying).
I think a few points referenced here (specifically that love is not enough, and social context cannot be escaped) are particularly interesting because they're so rarely encountered in fiction - you simply don't (or almost never) see stories of this kind, because it's not marketable, and people would rather read the Romeo and Juliet happy sex-positive romance, which can be trusted to sell well and won't be too upsetting. Kuang is kind of saying something very unmarketable, unfashionable, and untherapeutic (that love doesn't conquer all), and that's commendable.
Thank you!
Yes, it's very good but very hard to read. And I agree, I think it's bold of Kuang to reject the narrative of love as this idealized, perfect thing, and actually engage with the reality of love and desire. Some people will dislike the ending because of that, but to me it's the only way that the story could have stayed true to its message.
oh my god yes, finally someone understands.
Thank you!
Honestly, you’ve kind of changed my opinion on the series with this article. I have only read the first books and was not a very big fan but your analysis of the themes brings a new perspective that changes the way in which I had interpreted the work. I do think the fact that R.F. Kuang is a women is an integral part as to why she handles sexual assault, and the relationship between sex and power in such a nuanced way. And of course because she is an extremely talented writer. Anyways I loved your essay :)
Thank you for reading, I'm glad I was able to change your mind about the series! It's certainly not for everyone, and I understand if the series didn't work for you, but there's a lot that I think is worth talking about. As you say, Kuang is very talented, and it shows in how she writes about this topic.