Book review: A Song to Drown Rivers
I felt there wasn’t enough story built up to convincingly show the relationship between Xishi and Fanli. When they finally parted, the author listed many things Xishi would supposedly miss, yet these moments were never shown or developed earlier in the story, which made the emotions feel unearned.
Although this is a work of fiction, I did appreciate the premise being set in an old Chinese dynasty. That said, some of the dialogue felt too modern for the setting — I found myself questioning whether a king would really say something like “stop your yapping.”
It’s a little unfortunate, I would have liked to see more focus on the training, and more detail on the overthrow.
As someone with no prior knowledge of Xishi, I still found this to be an interesting introduction to her story, and I did finish the book because I genuinely wanted to know how it ended. However, the ghost ending wasn’t something I particularly enjoyed.
Rating /⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: 2/5
If you're curious about 'A Song to Drown Rivers' and the characters Xishi and Fanli, it's worth noting that this book presents an introduction rather than a deep dive into their relationship. While the setting in an ancient Chinese dynasty adds a unique atmosphere, some dialogue choices felt out of place, breaking immersion for me. One aspect I wished the book explored more was the political intrigue, especially the training and the overthrow, which felt rushed or underdeveloped. If you're like me and new to Xishi's story, approaching this book with an open mind might help you appreciate it as a starting point rather than a detailed historical retelling. The emotional connections between characters are hinted at but could benefit from more gradual development to truly engage readers. Also, the ghostly ending might not resonate with everyone, so be prepared for an unconventional conclusion. Overall, although the book has its flaws, it can serve as an interesting glance into a legend many might not know, especially if you enjoy historical fiction with a blend of fantasy elements.
