This slim little volume is the first in the Singing Hills Cycle series which follows Chih, a cleric of the Singing Hills Monastary, who travels the land collecting tales. This volume tells the story of Empress In-Yo, a northern royal sent to the south for a political marriage. The story is told by Rabbit, In-Yo’s handmaiden who had been sold to the imperial palace to make up for 5 baskets of day. It’s a beautifully written story that reads like a fairy tale.
In-Yo is married to the emperor after her family is defeated and humiliated by his forces. After giving birth, the seemingly powerless woman is exiled and watched closely for any signs of rebellion. Rabbit shares many seemingly insignificant items with Chih, but each item is part of a greater story. Empress In-Yo is a patient careful woman who uses her perceived weaknesses to her advantage to rise to greatness and take revenge on her enemies.
This book is both feminist and anti-imperial in nature. Though In-Yo achieves greatness, she must burn away every bit of kindness and compassion in her. I was excited to learn the significance of every new item Rabbit shared with Chih. This is an easy book to read in once sitting but it will stay with you for a long time.