Recommendation Index: 5 out of 5 Reading Index: 4 out of 5 Spice Index: non-existent (0 out of 5) Reactivity Warning: There are graphic scenes of murder.
"Nonsense. I've never met a man who is my equal."
Review
I once read a review of this book that did not say great things. If you're interested in those reviews, search Bronze Drum on the Barnes & Noble website. One review says that it lacks character development, and the other says that it felt flat - that Phong Nguyen didn't make them "feel" the love between the characters significant others. Do not let these negative reviews deter you from reading one of the most beautiful novels ever written.
For myself, those readers deeply misunderstood Bronze Drum. It is not about the romance. And although there was plentiful character development (despite the reviews), that too, didn't feel like the takeaway. Tales of women as military leaders is often written with a taste of fiction or fantasy. As if it is an intentional creative direction for a book to add unexpected charm. Whether intentional or not, it is rare that we read about historical women - women who used their collective strength to lead a successful mission to reclaim their people, culture and land.
Bronze Drum is beautifully intertwined with fiction and true historical events. It is a story of strength, and of honored duty - not expected duty. Trung Trac and Trung Nhi are resolute in their love for their culture, family and people. They face adversaries of difficult kinds; their parents' expectations, a Tiger and even Hán officials. The outcomes are infrequently pleasant, but the women harness grit unlike I've read before. Phong Nguyen does an exceptional job at elevating women, celebrating their flaws and honoring their losses.
If you've never read a piece of historical fiction before, and love strong women characters, this is a great place to start. I am so happy that the reviews did not deter me from this book, and I would recommend this to any reader but especially those women who need a reminder of the strength and resiliency that they are capable of.
"If you seek true knowledge, then you must first accept your own unknowing."
Reading Index: 4 out of 5
Spice Index: non-existent (0 out of 5)
Reactivity Warning: There are graphic scenes of murder.
Review
I once read a review of this book that did not say great things. If you're interested in those reviews, search Bronze Drum on the Barnes & Noble website. One review says that it lacks character development, and the other says that it felt flat - that Phong Nguyen didn't make them "feel" the love between the characters significant others. Do not let these negative reviews deter you from reading one of the most beautiful novels ever written.
For myself, those readers deeply misunderstood Bronze Drum. It is not about the romance. And although there was plentiful character development (despite the reviews), that too, didn't feel like the takeaway. Tales of women as military leaders is often written with a taste of fiction or fantasy. As if it is an intentional creative direction for a book to add unexpected charm. Whether intentional or not, it is rare that we read about historical women - women who used their collective strength to lead a successful mission to reclaim their people, culture and land.
Bronze Drum is beautifully intertwined with fiction and true historical events. It is a story of strength, and of honored duty - not expected duty. Trung Trac and Trung Nhi are resolute in their love for their culture, family and people. They face adversaries of difficult kinds; their parents' expectations, a Tiger and even Hán officials. The outcomes are infrequently pleasant, but the women harness grit unlike I've read before. Phong Nguyen does an exceptional job at elevating women, celebrating their flaws and honoring their losses.
If you've never read a piece of historical fiction before, and love strong women characters, this is a great place to start. I am so happy that the reviews did not deter me from this book, and I would recommend this to any reader but especially those women who need a reminder of the strength and resiliency that they are capable of.