I was blown away by this book. Arkady Martine has a background in Byzantine studies and it shows through in the book. It’s full of strong themes about empire, isolation, and longing.
I liked A Memory Called Empire a fair bit more than Ancillary Sword by Anne Leckie, the latter was quite austere, heavy, classical. What I liked about Memory was that it was a little bit lighter and more fun. At one point, the main character goes out for icecream with her friends. There is a bit of youth and vitality, which made the character more approachable.
As soon as I finished reading this one, I ordered its sequel A Desolation Called Peace.
Published: Feb 16, 2024
Last Modified: Jul 11, 2024
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