64 pages • 2 hours read
Shelley Parker-ChanShe Who Became the Sun
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan is a historical and LGBTQ+ fantasy novel set in 14th-century China. A peasant girl assumes her dead brother's identity to achieve greatness, joining a monastery and then the Red Turban rebels. She battles Mongol forces, navigates political intrigue, and rises to power, ultimately declaring herself emperor. The novel includes dehumanizing language regarding gender, graphic violence, and explicit sex.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Shelley Parker-Chan's She Who Became the Sun is widely praised for its rich world-building, compelling characters, and intricate blend of historical fiction and fantasy. Critics commend its exploration of themes like gender and destiny. However, some note that the pacing can be uneven and the complex plot occasionally confusing. Overall, it's a powerful debut.
Who Should Read She Who Became the Sun?
Readers who relish historical epics with a blend of fantasy will enjoy She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan. Fans of Mulan's resilience and the intricate politics of The Song of Achilles and Circe will find a compelling narrative exploring identity, ambition, and destiny in Ming Dynasty China.