The Empress of Salt and Fortune

If you're going to read this read it with your heart. I can see why it was confusing for some people, but it's a book best felt rather than read.

I'm a sucker for a story within a story narrative. So, there was no doubt I would this Asian inspired fantasy.

It's a short book, so I won't say much. But it's such a lovely story done really well, with unique characters.

Rabbit’s world changed when she was sold into Imperial labor and chosen as a handmaiden for the new empress In-Yo. Despite being from different backgrounds, both Rabbit and In-Yo had no choice in their fates. When In-Yo is exiled, Rabbit faithfully follows and together the two friends seek retribution. When Cleric Chih and their recorded bird Almost Brilliant cross paths with Rabbit, the tale of her campaign with In-Yo begins to unfold.

The Empress of Salt and Fortune is told in storyteller fashion as Rabbit reveals the life she led beside the Empress. Nghi Vo draws the reader in gradually and pulls back at key moments to evoke mystery and anticipation. Each time Rabbit will ask Chih and Almost Brilliant if they understand the story. While the story seems straightforward, the mystery revolves around the words Rabbit isn’t telling. The context between the lines the reader and characters must piece together with each new tale. This technique brought the story to a personal level for Rabbit. As she reflected on her memories the reader was not only told the story but was also able to see the emotional impact it held for Rabbit.

Each new piece granted to the reader reveals another layer of the world, showing the cruelty of imperial rule and the need for a new path to be set. The delicate nature required for In-Yo to make an impact incorporated elements of lore and fortune telling. Despite being novella length, there is no question of what influenced In-Yo and Rabbit’s path. And while there are some lingering questions surrounding the Clerics and recorder birds, there must be some mystery left over for future novellas.

This story was emotionally impactful, and constantly moving forward. Despite taking breaks between tales for side conversations, every moment capitalized on the displayed emotions and cultivated a compelling reading experience. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy Asian inspired tales dedicated to the need for women's voices to be heard and recognized.

This story is one of blood and rebellion and love told in the quiet voice you use in libraries to tell tales of another time. It was beautiful and gave me, as a reader, space to think and imagine, which I really loved. There is also an interesting reflection around history and its recording while we read about Chih, the cleric listening to Rabbit telling us about the Empress of Salt and Fortune.

This is a gorgeously written puzzle of a book, and I really loved the way it all came together. I really enjoyed the frame; and how the empress's story was told not just through Rabbit's remembrance but also through the objects found in her home-in-exile, because all of the little details were so illuminating. You do see the worldbuilding mostly in story form, in this volume, which gives it a kind of fairytale vibe — and those details, like ghosts walking a royal road, women turning into kingfishers, and the subtle dystopia of 50 years of summer — all definitely suit that. It's a story about rage but it's also a eulogy of sorts, and that built up to an ending that had me near tears.

Cleric Chih and Almost Brilliant were fun characters to follow, and I look forward to getting to know them better in future volumes. Definitely recommend.

Beautifully written and quite poetic, the story unfolds bit by bit through an exchange between the young monk and the old lady, painting a wonderful and quite unique world. Really curious about the next installments!

I liked this a fair bit - it sort of pulled me along well although i found myself a little confused at times. Na lent this to me, she found it quite sad and emotional which was surprising. I agree that the things that happened to In-Yo and Rabbit were tragic however i feel the story is told quite matter of factly, its quite unemotional in its presentation or perhaps as its far removed, i didnt feel particularly moved at any point.

I did really enjoy it tho and i felt like it accomplished what it set out to achieve - the story moved along at a good pace and for such a short read i felt the characters were well enough developed. I really enjoyed the structure of the narrative and feeling like we are looking in at the story rather than in the midsts of it. This illustrated the relationship between In-Yo and Rabbit and the act of recoding these second hand reflections beautifully. When Almost Brilliant told Rabbit ‘I understand. I will remember Sukai for you, and so will my children and their children.' i felt this captured a beautiful sentiment of love, loss and the sacricity (?) of memory. I would have liked the idea explored more if this were a series or longer book of the stories Chih and Almost Brilliant collected however i think it was nicely achieved given the length. Particualrly Almost Brilliants comforting of Rabbit, she understands (often unlike Chih), Rabbit doesnt have to ask.

Its hard to formulate my feelings nicely into a review but tldr - 3.7 <3

Shouldn't really be rating this, as I think I need to reread this as a physical copy to truly appreciate it's beauty. The audio book just didn't work for me.

*4.5

Imagine being named ALMOST brilliant

I've been reading this lovely little novella on and off for almost a month. This story was fascinating, told through vignettes that are sparked by the possessions of one feisty Empress to her intrigued handmaiden. For me, the novella length was perfection. It gives just enough time to unfold the story of Rabbit and her mistress, but it's just the right amount of space for it not to feel drawn out. My only gripe, and this happens a lot with novellas, is that there just wasn't enough time for real character development. Which is this reader's bread and butter. Still, I enjoyed this. A solid 3-star read. I can't wait for my turn in the library queue for the follow up.

3.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews

Summary
A cleric from an order focused on history and records comes to explore and document the former home of an empress once exiled and later returned to power.

Review I'd vaguely heard Nghi Vo's name over the past few years, but have not read anything by her until this novella, so I had no notion what to expect, beyond the title and cover art.

The story gets off to a rocky start – not so much in character or worldbuilding as in immediate context. It takes about a page to settle in and really get a handle on what's happening without confusion. Once that's done, is fairly plain sailing. The prose is nice, if not really memorable, and the story is carefully and thoughtfully constructed. From very early on, there's not much surprise about the direction of the story, with just one twist that needs explanation. That said, it's a pleasant, mellow read. It's a bit like looking at a slow, mountain stream – you know where it's going, but it's still relaxing to watch.

That this is the first of a series surprises me a bit – so much of the focus is on the supporting character's story that we don't really learn much about the narrator. I found myself ambivalent about whether to continue with them (they're non-binary); despite smooth writing, I felt no particular connection. I'm not against more of her adventures, but not really eager for them. Or maybe they're just going to be a recurring observer reporting the stories of others. That could be effective, though I found this story more pleasant than compelling.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5 stars

I really liked this story and look forward to reading more from this author. Originally, I thought I'd be put off by the way it was written. Yet that was what caused me to be more engaged with the story Getting to know the politics and traditions of the world through Bunny's storytelling was definitely a surprise. I came into this without knowing much about the book, and I think that was for the best. This was almost a five-star read for me because I really enjoyed it but I did feel like it was a bit short.

I will definitely be recommending this book in the future. At this moment, I don't have any major complaints other than it's length.

A nice quick read but there is so much packed into this book. Everything is presented so well and was never boring or tedious to read.

I really thought this book would be it...but it's not.
I didn't realize it was literary fiction otherwise I wouldn't have picked it up. I don't know why but it seems like every single literary fiction book is devoid of characters and plot. There's nothing to grab onto the story and nothing that makes sense. Honestly, when the ‘twist' came at the end, I was so confused.

Found this on an endcap at the Elliot Bay Book Company on a trip to Seattle, and am very pleased I did! This was atmospheric, and left me both satisfied and wanting more. Will definitely seek out more of these novellas to hear what else Cleric Chih fastidiously uncovers. Vo is especially skilled at weaving magical realism in seamlessly to this high fantasy world. It is both central to what unfolds without ever being gimmicky or a distraction.

A wonderful little fairytale about a foreign empress and her servant girl. The power of women.

Beautiful writing but a bit confusing to follow.

At first I was a but confused by the formatting of the writing, as I am with many books in the beginning. This one took me longer then usual to follow what story was being told however. 

I really loved every bit of it though. It all came together so beautifully by the end. It might have been because its a very short book but I thought it would come together earlier. I am excited to see where Chih goes next. 

“Do you understand?” Yes, I do.

I definitely enjoyed this but felt like I was in a fog for most of it. Enjoyed the second one more.

This was good, but I would rather have seen the actual story unfold, without the frame tale. I couldn't have cared less about Chih and their dumb bird. Needs more badass empress!

I normally prefer books that have alot of substance and depth to them, which is why I avoid short stories in general, and sometimes novellas. I did enjoy this novella more because it's a time period I enjoy and especially a strong woman as the Empress is.

I found the quick switching of the time periods confusing. I would appreciate an audible pause [or visual break] be included in all such book structures.

I'll definitely read the next in the series.

Such a good short story.

This is so very well written. It feels like reading a piece of art. I like this look into an ancient country that I have largely only had a view of in context of a war that was dying out when I was born. I did not want to put this down.