I had high expectations going into this book, and they were absolutely justified. Kung writes masterly a heart renching story that leaves the reader bewildered and aching. The message of the story was not subtle, but I didn't mind it. The criticism of colonialism, capitalism, academy, and white feminism was well put and powerful. 

Letty was such a good example of white activism and white feminism. This book was everything dark academia should be, a harsh critic of the system. 

Kung has such a way of describing despair and a siperl of emotion, with the resounding glimps of hope. 

At times, it did feel like reading a textbook, but in the best way. The dissection of translation and languages was so interesting, and the use of the silver bars as a metaphor was so clever.