A Review of Xiran Jay Zhao’s “Iron Widow”
Yin Vs. Yang
Xiran Jay Zhao, a first-time Chinese-Canadian writer, is already a powerhouse of an author, but here’s the truly impressive part: by the time the novelist’s debut, Iron Widow, will be published, they (the pronoun Zhao prefers) will be just 24 years old. It has been told to me that if you’re 35 and have published your first book, you are a baby in the publishing world’s eyes. I suppose that makes Xiran Jay Zhao a virtual fetus, if not a sperm or an egg. While Iron Widow is a piece of young adult fiction, that shouldn’t detract actual adults from reading this book. It has everything you’ll want in a good read: some action, a rather unconventional love triangle in some ways (I’ll say no more about this, not to spoil things), and lots of political intrigue along with some questions raised about sexuality, gender and the role that women (should) play in society. Zhao has created a masterful reading experience that is both daring and original, even if it wears its influences proudly on its sleeve: the book is being pitched as Pacific Rim meets The Handmaid’s Tale, though there’s a little bit of The Hunger Games thrown in for good measure. But if you had any doubts as to the quality of young adult fiction, read this book. It shows that some of the most promising and exciting fiction out there is being written for young eyes, even if this book is meant for mature young eyes due to the themes of alcoholism, suicide ideation, and sexual assault (the latter of which happens off the page).
The story is a retelling of the rise of the real-life Chinese Emperor Wu Zetian, who was the only female emperor and lived some 1,500 years ago. Thus, as a blend of ancient Chinese history and futuristic science fiction, Iron Widow is about a Chinese society where mecha aliens threaten the survival of humans. Men and women are paired to fight this threat in giant transformable robots called Chrysalises, though the problem is that women often die during these battles due to the mental strain they are put through. Wu Zetian, in this book, is a young peasant girl who signs up for the army, not to help protect her nation but, instead, seek vengeance for her older sister’s murder at the hands of a fighter pilot. She exacts that vengeance rather early in the novel during battle, earning her the moniker of Iron Widow. Instead of being put to death, she is paired up with another male fighter who has murdered his family and, like her, is an incredibly strong pilot in terms of the spirit energy he can tap into during battle. Though the two are a “Bonded Pair,” meaning that they complement each other well in warfare and are expected to live as husband and wife, complications ensue when a young boy from her village — who is in love with Zetian — shows up on the scene.
The great thing about this novel is its pacing. Just when things start to turn a little too mushy, bam!, a battle scene emerges. And when the battle scene threatens to overpower the story, wham!, we’re sucked into court intrigue. Iron Widow is a compulsively readable novel that will have you turning the pages in a frenzy, though this bleak roller-coaster ride of a novel compels you to put it down and think about it for a while, too. The book’s setting is a misogynist one, where women are seen to be powerless, subservient, and willing to sacrifice their lives without asking any questions. They are mere husks to be disposed of, and that also makes the Wu Zetian character so entrancing. She has power, sass, and is willing to manipulate the system to meet her own ends — though sometimes she, too, has to make compromises simply to survive. She, like the other characters in this rollercoaster ride of a read, is a three-dimensional character who is believable and authentic. It doesn’t hurt that the book throws in a generous helping of Chinese folklore to explain its science-fiction aspect, which is an unusual and captivating blend of elements. Everything about this novel fires on all cylinders, and nothing feels out of place. That’s astonishing given the young age of the novelist and the possible fact that English may have not come naturally to the author. (They do mention in the acknowledgments section that they had a crack editor to help fix up some of the grammar, which is perhaps a strange admission when the book is so impeccably written. If they hadn’t mentioned it, I would have been none the wiser.)
All in all, Iron Widow is a near-perfect read. However, I’ll grant it the full five stars given that I haven’t read a novel that is this exciting and packed to the gills with riveting battle scenes, tender love scenes, and scenes of intriguing political manoeuvring— especially in a book meant for young readers. It is, as noted, a bit on the dark side and I did note that the f-bomb gets dropped at least three times, which would be enough (if this book was a movie, which I would be first in line to buy tickets for if one should come to pass) to merit an R-rating in the U.S. movie rating system. Still, for older teenagers (along with interested adults), this is one swooping thrillride of a book. It does end on a cliffhanger and I see that Goodreads already has an untitled second book listed, so the obvious sequel is coming soon. But you know what? I’ll be first in line to either score a review copy or even buy that book, too. I am hopeful that the follow-up is as good as this impressive first book in a possible series. Iron Widow is a one-of-a-kind work of young adult fiction, one that should make its influences proud, especially coming from someone so young and talented. With this novel, Xiran Jay Zhao shows that they are a master of immersive fiction that grabs you by the lapels and doesn’t let go, and we have a new voice to celebrate in both Canadian and young adult fiction. Enough already! At the risk of repeating myself, read this book!
Xiran Jay Zhao’s Iron Widow will be published by Penguin Teen on September 21, 2021.
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Get in touch: zacharyhoule@rogers.com
