Chris

The story takes place in the Jim Crow south in 1963. There were points where I had to suspend disbelief at some of the plot mechanisms that drove the story forward, but the story about Starla's journey and her education about the world and people around her was enjoyable. The lessons she learns are primarily about relationships (e.g. the messy relationship of a battered wife and her husband, the relationship and impact an individual has with his/her community) and what drives those relationships. Starla is a pistol and I loved Eula. I listened to the audiobook - and it was well done.

Really enjoyed this, the world building is well done and fun. The fourth son of the emporer finds himself unexpectedly on the throne. As he's learning the ropes, so are we.

The character names are an absolute bear to learn and get used to. I finally had the Wiki opened on the phone to keep everyone straight. Found at the 3/4 mark I was rarely cross checking. I will probably reread this at some point.