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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Challenging / Fantastical

- She Who Became the Sun, Shelley Parker-Chan's debut novel, combines elements of historical fiction and fantasy set against the backdrop of a reimagined 14th-century China.
- The novel was a finalist for the 2021 Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror, showcasing its recognition within the LGBTQ literary community.
- Inspired by the author's love for fantasy epics and their interest in gender identity, the book explores themes of identity, ambition, and destiny in a unique historical setting.

Shelley Parker-Chan

Adult

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The Radiant Emperor

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore She Who Became the Sun and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

She Who Became the Sun Summary and Study Guide

Background

She Who Became the Sun Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “1345-1354”

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

She Who Became the Sun Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “1354-1355”

Part 2, Chapters 5-11

She Who Became the Sun Part 2, Chapters 5-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 12-17

She Who Became the Sun Part 2, Chapters 12-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “1355-1356”

Part 3, Chapters 18-23

She Who Became the Sun Part 3, Chapters 18-23 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

She Who Became the Sun Character Analysis

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Themes

She Who Became the Sun Themes

Symbols & Motifs

She Who Became the Sun Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

She Who Became the Sun Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

She Who Became the Sun Essay Topics

She Who Became the Sun Further Reading & Resources

She Who Became the Sun

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read She Who Became the Sun?

Reading Age

Book Details