Ryan

I've always liked the idea of Red Sonja as this badass warrior lady, but I never really would have considered myself a big fan of her. Reading this has definitely changed that opinion - Simone's exploration of Sonja's background does a great job of grounding her in reality, while also presenting a deeply fantastical story. That combination of sweet and savoury makes for an incredibly engaging story. The audiobook performance by Felicia Day adds a great additional layer to the story as well.

Some books are interesting because of their plot, engaging characters, or because of unique insight the author has. This is not one of those books. HOWEVER, I would still defend it as an interesting read for the thoughts and conversations it sparks about the value of work and how we define it, what it means for someone to have "value" to society, and the complicated obligations that our relationships with each other create. By doing nothing Morimoto becomes a mirror through which we can study each other.

This is a strong, bold, scary look at mental illness, isolation, indigenous culture, and the struggles of motherhood. Objectively, it is a very well written book.

Subjectively, this was not the book for me.

There are a lot of interesting plot points here, and a lot to think about. It's a well-written book. I didn't find myself connecting to any of the characters in it, however, and that limited my ability to enjoy it.

There are a lot of interesting plot points here, and a lot to think about. It's a well-written book. I didn't find myself connecting to any of the characters in it, however, and that limited my ability to enjoy it.