Author: R. F. Kuang
notes
Translation is an act of violence.
Kuang’s research is impressive. her knowledge of etymology awes me just as much as Dumas’s worldly knowledge. However, I prefer character-driven explorations in literature — I felt that the story was lacking a sort of richness, magic, and depth that comes from good character design. I would have loved to see other characters, specifically Griffin, Sterling, and Anthony, more fleshed out.
The ideology opened me up to new perspectives and further shaped my thinking on information, power, and the importance of ethics in the field of technology.
Death feels so sudden and loses its impact in part 5. It gave an, “Aw, come on” type of feeling. At times it felt unnecessary.