It is so hard to wrap up my thoughts and feelings about this book; I feel I can't do it justice. Kuang did such an incredible job at exploring colonialism and its effects. Our main character has to grapple essentially with siding with those in power who can provide him a sense of social and financial safety (choosing survival) versus siding with those who are being harmed by the ones in power (including those in his hometown). I also couldn't help but care about these characters, even when I knew at the same time that some of them couldn't be trusted. This is my first book by Kuang and I am really looking forward to reading more of her work.