The story draws you in immediately; and, with everything happening and all of the different characters it should seem too busy or too much, but it it not. Each aspect, from big to little is intrinsic in telling this amazing story. Every harsh moment of Katrina's life before she meets Miss Satomi, Miss Satomi's dawning realization that she cannot live the life she has been, Lan's need to care for her children, without thinking of herself. At the main intersection of each story trail is a woman realizing her strength, her truth, her power. From Katrina using the terrible memories of her life to infuse her music with such emotion it touches souls, to Miss Satomi taking in Katrina and continuously sticking up for her in small ways and relearning how to love music, to Lan finally realizing she has taught her children how to survive and maybe they no longer need her. A truly unique and beautiful story about acceptance and love. I cried a few times while feeling so angry at the way Katrina is treated by so many, but felt so utterly hopeful for the few who actually treated her with the humanity she deserves. To have a world constantly criticizing your life, threatening your well being, actively hating you for being yourself. I am disgusted that this is a reality right now for so many transgender individuals and it is heartbreaking. However, in the moments of hopelessness these strong women find a way to save each other. To fight for what they believe to be right and to trust in each other, when they have so little to trust. All of them have horrific stories they must overcome, trauma they must heal from, homes they have lost. So, finding family in each other, a community in which to grow and flourish, after everything they have been through, is truly what makes this book such a winner. Also, the addition of the science fiction element just heightened everything about the book. Having an alien species come to Earth, that is so advanced, but realize they are lacking in the emotions that both music and food provide for the soul. They very much resemble the immigrant families within their community, trying to make a living in California after having to flee from war. They have left their home behind, knowing they can never return. They also learn to begin appreciating aspects of the world they have found themselves living on. For Lan that comes in the form of love for Miss Satomi, for the others it might be the food, the people, or even the knowledge. One of my favourite parts of the book is the way in which the music and food are shown to be such important aspects of humanity. Both have the ability to bring a person back to a time and place in their lives, generally a good memory (whether it be home, or the first time you pick up an instrument, etc.). Food brings people together, mends broken bonds, shows someone you are thinking of them, shows care and kindness, encourages learning about other cultures. Music can do the same, a song can bring you back to a moment when you were truly happy, or a sad song can remind you of someone or something you have lost. A good song can mend a broken heart or break a heart all over again. The book reflects these simple things being much more, meaning much more. I just loved this book so much, honestly might be my top read of the year. I want everyone to read it and fall in love with the writing and the world and these magnificent characters. It is a book about redemption, love, courage, and, most of all, the power of music. Thank you Tor Books for providing me with an eArc of this novel in exchange for an honest review. TW: transphobia, racism, death, sexual assault, rape, sexism, murder, mentions of suicide, misogyny, violence, physical abuse, mental abuse, deadnaming, mentions of war, homophobia, misgendering, self-harm, slut shaming
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