Jimmy Brewster
Thank you to Del Ray for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.
I wanted to read Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim because I was intrigued by the description. It is described as a historical fiction story mixed with Chinese mythology and a dash of magical realism. I found that the story delivered exactly what it describes.
The story flashes back and forth between a mother and daughter, eventually colliding in the 1980’s “present day” of the novel. Through a creative retelling of the myth of Yeh-Shen, the Chinese inspiration for Cinderella, the novel tells a tragic and heartbreaking story involving generational trauma and the difficulties of breaking the patterns ingrained in us by previous generations.
My main critique is that while the story centers around the women in this family, there is a significant amount of time dedicated on the relationships they have with men. There is one single queer relationship that is mentioned mostly in passing. I appreciate the attempt to be inclusive, but it feels very much like an afterthought without any development.
If you are expecting a story that’s similar to the Disney-fied Cinderella, you will most likely be disappointed. I think this story would mostly appeal to fans of literary fiction or people who are interested in Chinese centered fiction.
Originally posted at jimmybrewster.substack.com.
Thank you to Del Ray for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my review.
I wanted to read Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim because I was intrigued by the description. It is described as a historical fiction story mixed with Chinese mythology and a dash of magical realism. I found that the story delivered exactly what it describes.
The story flashes back and forth between a mother and daughter, eventually colliding in the 1980’s “present day” of the novel. Through a creative retelling of the myth of Yeh-Shen, the Chinese inspiration for Cinderella, the novel tells a tragic and heartbreaking story involving generational trauma and the difficulties of breaking the patterns ingrained in us by previous generations.
My main critique is that while the story centers around the women in this family, there is a significant amount of time dedicated on the relationships they have with men. There is one single queer relationship that is mentioned mostly in passing. I appreciate the attempt to be inclusive, but it feels very much like an afterthought without any development.
If you are expecting a story that’s similar to the Disney-fied Cinderella, you will most likely be disappointed. I think this story would mostly appeal to fans of literary fiction or people who are interested in Chinese centered fiction.
Originally posted at jimmybrewster.substack.com.