The book is first person, written from the perspective of the main character and I take no issue with that. My issue was that the author over explained and still somehow managed to leave out descriptions that would let you form a clear mental image of the world she built. It was really a waste for such a creative design.
Now, there is a heated discussion happening on goodreads reviews about the book being racist. There were many different cultural references that were cited in one person's opinion. As a reader, as a woman of color, I didn't get that feeling. Many of those issues about the character not stopping to appreciate the culture of the languages she was learning was explained (about 100 times too many) about how there were no teachers and that information was simply a means of survival.
At best, the author was culturally insensitive. When people, marginalized groups, see themselves represented in a work by someone moderately successful, they have hope that you have done your research and are going to showcase them in a new and brighter way to the rest of the world. When they see themselves as after thoughts or regurgitations of stereotypes that have been thrown at them in cruel ways on a daily basis, they will be first disappointed and later, infuriated.
For those who love this book and this author, rather than saying others are stupid for feeling that way, take a step back and remember that your world view has been shaped by different experiences. You feel and think differently and that's okay. Someone else will read the same passage and relive traumas from their past, much like the main character of this book whenever she thinks about all the people who fear her and tried to kill her simply because of her affinity.
Overall, I give the book 3.5 stars. The second half being slightly less tedious than the first. Helped along by the character finally coming out of her shell and opening herself up to other people.
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