The Empress of Salt and Fortune

The Empress of Salt and Fortune

The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo

“Sometimes the things we see do not make sense until many years have gone by. Sometimes it takes generations.”

When I asked for short book recommendations, my underground book club suggested The Empress of Salt and Fortune.  This book didn’t disappoint!  I had no idea that this author wrote The Chosen and The Beautiful (which I also read and loved).

Two birds, Cleric Chih and Almost Brilliant, are traveling in the Lake Scarlet area when information regarding the reign of Empress In-yo becomes declassified.  They meet with Empress In-yo’s former serving girl named Rabbit.  Rabbit then proceeds to share her stories of Empress In-yo.

This novella has some fantasy, some strong prose, and it feels non-American, not conforming to the standard American storylines.  The Empress of Salt and Fortune delivered beautiful quotes and is a perfect blend of fantasy and women’s literature.  It had depth and rich symbolism with strong, smart female characters.  This short story had a unique feel, and the author, Vo, has a very diverse and varied vocabulary.  There were a few words that had me reaching for my dictionary. 

Already, I am looking forward to reading this book again.

 Here are some of my favorite quotes.

Do you understand?  “I am not sure I do, grandmother, but I listen, and Almost Brilliant will remember.”

Accuracy above all things. You will never remember the great if you do not remember the small.

Read this review on GoodReads.