"The Kingdom of Back" by Marie Lu

Imagine that you are a female-identifying person (whether you actually identify yourself as one or not). Got that covered? Great. Now, imagine you are a young girl who has a desire to create things and has enough talent in her left big toe, let alone her entire body, to prove her worth in creating her art with reckless abandon. Then imagine, if you will, that you are born in the 18th century, where women aren't supposed to create or follow any sort of creative career (or a career at all), but are supposed to look pretty and, when they were old enough and have found a husband, provide children like it's the last thing you'll ever do — which women sometimes/often did during childbirth. If you thought this was bad enough, then think about how you would have to watch the men around you with as much talent as or lesser talent than yourself doing what you were born to do and getting endless praise for their works, while you don't even get a second glance.

So, if you were a creative and musical young girl who wanted to create a legacy for herself in a time where that wasn't even possible, what would you do to make sure that you followed your dreams? How far would you go to make sure that you were remembered long after you were gone?

What's the book about?

Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish—to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age—her tyrannical father has made that much clear. And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true—but his help may cost her everything.

(Summary from Goodreads)

When did I read this?

August 29- September 10

Positives:

+ The bittersweet tone and the magical elements that follows both Nannerl and the reader throughout the story makes for an enchanting read.

+ Nannerl's transformation both in the real world and in the Kingdom of Back despite the story taking place in a misogynistic/sexist society was so inspiring to watch.

+ The story that takes place in the Kingdom of Back is really engaging.

+ Marie's decision in telling the true (enough) story of Nannerl Mozart while weaving in an engaging and magical narrative which helps make reading the fictional non-fiction parts of the narrative easier to get through for most readers.

+ The maps on the inner covers (on the hardcover edition) were great touches to the novel and provided more context to where Nannerl went when she was in the Kingdom of Back.

+ Hyacinth is just mysterious and charismatic enough for you to follow along with Nannerl until the twist towards the end of the second act of the novel.

+ The Author's Note at the very end was very passionate and sweet. I highly recommend that you read the Author's Note if/when you get the chance. ❤️

+ The way the story ended. I'm not going to say that I felt completely satisfied with the ending, but when I considered the physical and societal environment of the story, this ending was the best decision to make to give the peace and resolve that Nannerl was looking for after everything she went through.

Negatives:

- The scenes and interactions with Leopold, Wolferl and Nannerl's father, never sat well with me (as they were meant to), especially the scene when the Mozart family are at an opera for Cupid and Psyche and he's all, like, "see what happens to Psyche when her emotions got the better of her? *(spoiler alert: Psyche gets punished for following her desires while Cupid faces absolutely zero punishment for his)* Don't be like Psyche." It made my inner feminist want to chuck him from the box they were sitting in.

Reality Check:

An viral outbreak happens towards the latter-half of the novel, looming responsibilities and expectations of growing up/getting older

Content Warning:

Somebody gets eaten, sexism/casual misogyny towards women

Is it a truly litassociative experience?

With the voice and tone and journey that Nannerl goes through, I would say that The Kingdom of Back would create litassociation for anyone and everyone who reads it. It was informative, enlightening, entertaining, empowering, and was a surprising read for me to find. I could say more, but then I'd be taking away the reading experience from you. If you're looking for an empowering read with just enough magic and fantasy to take you out of reality for a bit, then this book will be waiting for you.

The Kingdom of Back can be found at your local library and/or your nearest bookstore.

Final rating: