Girls of paper and fire by Natasha Ngan
Hodder and Stoughton, 2018. ISBN 9781473692190
(Age: senior secondary) Highly recommended. Not suitable for young
readers. Contains scenes of violence and sexual assault (not
described but heavily implied). Themes: YA, fantasy, LGBT+.
Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most persecuted
class of people in Ikhara. Ten years ago, her mother was snatched by
the royal guards, and her fate remains unknown. Now, the guards are
back and this time it's Lei they're after - the girl with the golden
eyes, whose rumoured beauty has piqued the king's interest.
Over weeks of training in the opulent but oppressive palace, Lei and
eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit a king's
consort. There, Lei does the unthinkable - she falls in love. Her
forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that
threatens her world's entire way of life and Lei, still the
wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide how far she's willing
to go for justice and revenge.
Girls of Paper and Fire is an intriguing analysis of
significant societal issues including racism, abuse, and consent,
with Ngan's writing opening many pathways for discussion. The
characters come from various Asian backgrounds and are diverse and
complex, a brilliant example of well-rounded representation. Their
unique, masterfully crafted backstories and motives allow the reader
to connect and identify with the struggles of both main and minor
characters. Lei's characterisation and continued defiance of the
oppressive ruling system emphasised the importance of continuously
opposing injustice and never giving in to despair. Ngan's
description of the way Lei fell in love was beautifully written and
philosophical, revealing the great lengths people will go to for
people they care about. While the story is confronting, it critiques
and challenges these issues and starts much-needed discussions. Ngan
writes with elegance and poise, handling these serious topics with
grace.
Despite the story's dark nature, it conveys positive messages for
people who have experienced traumas similar to those of the paper
girls, detailing the value of healthy relationships, the power of
female strength, and reminds the audience of humanity's ability to
find hope in darkness, to not just survive, but to live through
struggles.
This novel was an engrossing read which, while dark, aims to lift
its readers and remind them of their own power and ability to create
change.
Stephanie Lam