Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

Photo of Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao in paperback, in front of a stack of books

4.5 Stars

TW/CW: rape, graphic violence, death, alcoholism and substance abuse, withdrawal,

torture

In “Iron Widow”, Xiran Jay Zhao creates a compelling and beautifully constructed story inspired by Chinese history. Iron Widow is set in a future where humans are fighting for their survival on Earth as magical beasts called Hunduns advance on their colonies. In this future world, known as Huaxia, humans use giant mecha suits to fight the Hunduns. Women are selected to pilot the mechas with men, but are usually killed in the process.

 When Wu Zetian manages to sacrifice the male pilot she is paired with in revenge for him killing her sister, she becomes known as the Iron Widow and must learn how to navigate a world where the most feared and hated thing is a woman with power. Throughout the book, Zhao explores themes of family, abuse, patriarchy, and revenge.

“Men wants us so badly for our bodies, yet hate us so much for our minds.” ― Xiran Jay Zhao, Iron Widow

Zhao displays their masterful worldbuilding by creating an all at once familiar and foreign concept of life in the future. Their characters, such as Wu Zetian, draw inspiration from real historical figures that shaped China. The main character shares her name with her historical inspiration, Empress Wu Zetian, the only woman to be recognized by historians as ruling independently.

The beautiful imagery of the rice fields of Zetian’s hometown to the sprawling and elegant cities of the capital draw the reader in immediately. While the worldbuilding is in depth and well done, the reader is immediately plunged into the world of the mechas and pilot system with little context. This can be slightly disorienting. As Zetian explores the world herself, more details are revealed and how the pilot system operates becomes clearer.

Despite the temporary confusion, the book is incredibly engaging and fast paced. After managing to kill her sister’s murderer, Zetian is faced with a new set of challenges. Her existence is a threat to the rule of Huaxia, and many high ranked members seek to have Zetian killed. The plot is ever evolving and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, unable to put the book down until the last page. Zhao includes many plot twists, some predictable, and some shocking, that keep the suspense going throughout the story.

The only part of the book that didn't shine was that the relationship between Yizhi and Shimin. While the romance between Zetian and Yizhi, and Zetian and Shimin is clear, the polyamorous relationship between Yizhi and Shimin sees little development. Aside from Zetian witnessing some glances, it feels like the author didn't spend much time developing their romance.

“The entitled assholes of the world are sustained by girls who forgive too easily.” - Xiran Jay Zhao, Iron Widow

Zetian is a rare and well done characterization of feminine rage. Her character, if not always relatable, is fascinating – and more importantly, understandable. While most people don’t go on murderous revenge-filled rampages, Zhao’s character construction is so artful that it’s impossible to resist wanting Zetian to succeed in her fearless and consistent defiance of everyone and everything around her. Zetian is the definition of a powerful female character. She resists every attempt from the men around her to control and subdue her.

The book deals with serious matters of familial abuse, sexual assault, and violence against women without stripping female characters of all autonomy. Zhao also delivers a message rarely seen in modern media: the idea that you don’t need to forgive to move on, and you certainly don’t need to forgive someone just because they are family.

One of Zetian's most notable traits is her unapologetic brutality. She's a refreshing portrayal of a woman who isn’t a shallow caricature of evil, but doesn’t strive to fit society’s definition of good. Zetian is vengeful, and feels no remorse for being vengeful, or powerful. In a patriarchal society where women are expected to value being good and polite above all else, Zetian is a cathartic release from the need to please others. Instead, Zhao’s character construction of Zetian allows for unabashed, unchecked, fury at the patriarchy.

“There will be no redemption. It is not me who is wrong. It's everyone else.” - Xiran Jay Zhao, Iron Widow

From the mesmerizing world building to the riveting plot, and relentlessly shameless main character, Zhao's book delivers a captivating story about colonialism, the patriarchy, and one woman determined to burn it all down. 

Recommended for: Sci-fi fans, those who love a little (or a lot of) politics in their fiction, those who love giant robot suits (I'm looking at you, Voltron fans), unhinged women and people who love unhinged women

Not recommended for: Minors, people not yet ready to dive into the deep end of the sci-fi pool, people looking for a light hearted or "brain-off" book, and those offended by Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" movie