Reflection - Book Review

Reflection - Book Review

Post
Subscribe

Posted 2024-12-15 by PerthKelfollow
Reflection by Elizabeth Lim is a reimagining of Disney's Mulan, offering an inventive twist on the original story through the Twisted Tales series. This novel, framed around the question, What if Mulan had to journey to the Underworld?, building upon the story of Mulan and her journey to bring honour to her family, pushing her to face moral dilemmas, supernatural challenges, and ultimately, herself.

In Reflection, Lim delves deeper into Mulan’s character, portraying her as a heroine whose courage, selflessness, and resilience are tested beyond anything in the original tale. By setting the story in the Chinese Underworld, Lim introduces themes of sacrifice, identity, honour, and the human struggle between life and death, giving readers an expanded understanding of Mulan’s values and motivations.

The story begins with Mulan’s courageous stand in the battle against the Huns, where she suffers a significant deviation from the Disney film’s plot. Captain Li Shang, her superior and trusted companion, is gravely injured, forcing Mulan to make an impossible choice. Rather than simply fleeing to safety, Mulan decides to venture into Diyu, the Chinese Underworld, to rescue Shang’s soul.

Lim uses the concept of the Underworld to add new layers to the tale. Diyu is depicted as a dark, perilous realm governed by King Yama, the god of death and judgment. Here, Mulan must confront her deepest fears, confrontations with powerful spirits, and the complexities of the afterlife. The setting of Diyu is both terrifying and mesmerizing, with vivid descriptions that allow readers to feel its oppressive atmosphere and unique dangers.

The journey through Diyu represents Mulan’s own psychological and emotional journey. Each level of the Underworld, guarded by different spirits and filled with various obstacles, reflects Mulan’s inner struggles with identity, guilt, and loyalty. By introducing this setting, Lim uses fantasy elements to explore universal human experiences and the moral quandaries faced by Mulan as she contends with the limitations of her mortality.

In Reflection, Mulan’s character arc is central to the story, providing a window into her insecurities, aspirations, and hidden strengths. Unlike in the Disney film, where Mulan’s bravery on the battlefield is the main focus, this novel highlights her internal journey toward self-acceptance. Mulan is forced to examine her own motives, grappling with questions about duty, honour, and love.

One of the most compelling aspects of Mulan’s character in this version is her vulnerability. Her love for her family and her country drives her actions, but she often doubts herself and fears the consequences of her choices. Her journey through Diyu serves as a metaphor for the challenges we all face in life, where fear, regret, and uncertainty can hold us back. By facing these fears head-on, Mulan gradually transforms from a young woman struggling to prove herself to a warrior willing to face death to save those she loves.

Mulan’s interactions with the spirits in Diyu reveal her empathy and compassion, qualities that underscore her heroism. Rather than relying solely on physical strength, she uses her intellect, patience, and emotional intelligence to navigate the Underworld’s dangers. Lim emphasizes Mulan’s adaptability and resourcefulness, showing that her true strength lies in her heart and her ability to learn from every experience. These qualities make her a more relatable and inspiring heroine.

The character of Li Shang, though incapacitated for much of the story, plays an essential role in Reflection. His relationship with Mulan, initially based on mutual respect as fellow soldiers, deepens as Mulan risks everything to bring him back. Shang’s near-death experience and his journey through Diyu force him and Mulan to confront their feelings for each other, revealing an emotional vulnerability that was only hinted at in the original story.

Lim crafts a romance between Mulan and Shang that feels authentic and poignant. Their bond grows through moments of trust, shared experiences, and quiet support rather than grand romantic gestures. This understated approach allows readers to see Mulan and Shang as equals, bound by a shared sense of duty and sacrifice. The novel explores how love can inspire courage and resilience, showing how their connection becomes a source of strength for Mulan during her darkest moments in Diyu.

Their relationship is not without obstacles. Shang’s traditional sense of honour and duty sometimes conflicts with Mulan’s unorthodox methods, creating tension between them. However, as they face death together, they gain a deeper understanding of each other’s values and fears. This development adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, as Lim illustrates that love is about acceptance, growth, and mutual support.

Honour is a recurring theme in Reflection, as Mulan grapples with what it means to bring honour to her family and her country. In the original Mulan, honour is achieved through bravery and patriotism, but Lim complicates this notion by presenting honour as a multifaceted concept that sometimes requires personal sacrifice. Mulan’s journey through Diyu forces her to confront her own understanding of honour, leading her to realize that true honour comes from following one’s conscience and doing what is right, even when it defies tradition.

Image from Goodreads


Sacrifice is another prominent theme, as Mulan is willing to risk her life—and even her soul—to save Shang. Her journey to the Underworld symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice, as she is willing to give up her own chance at peace to ensure Shang’s survival. This theme resonates throughout the story, illustrating that love often requires selflessness and bravery. Mulan’s willingness to face death for someone else is a testament to her character and her growth, demonstrating that true heroism is defined by compassion and loyalty.

The theme of redemption also plays a crucial role, especially as Mulan encounters spirits in Diyu who seek forgiveness or are burdened by past regrets. These encounters prompt Mulan to reflect on her own choices, her mistakes, and her yearning to make things right. Redemption, in Reflection, is about more than overcoming external obstacles; it is about reconciling with one’s own heart and finding peace in one’s actions.

Diyu, the Chinese Underworld, is one of the most captivating elements of Reflection. Lim’s portrayal of Diyu is inspired by traditional Chinese mythology, and she describes it as a realm that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The world-building in Diyu is meticulously crafted, with various levels that Mulan must pass through, each filled with unique challenges and mythological creatures.

In each level of Diyu, Mulan encounters spirits, guardians, and traps that represent the sins and mistakes of mortals. The Underworld is designed to be a place of judgment, where souls are confronted with their past actions. This setting serves as both a physical and symbolic representation of Mulan’s journey, forcing her to confront her own doubts and fears with every step. The richly detailed descriptions of Diyu add depth to the story, making it feel like a fully realized world.

Diyu also serves as a crucible for Mulan’s transformation. The experiences she has in the Underworld—the trials, the losses, the triumphs—shape her into a stronger, wiser version of herself. By the time she emerges from Diyu, she is not only a hero in the traditional sense but also a person who understands herself on a deeper level.

Reflection challenges the notion of heroism by presenting Mulan with morally complex decisions. In Diyu, she is faced with situations where the right choice is not always clear, forcing her to weigh her own values against the expectations of society and her duties as a soldier. Lim portrays heroism as a path fraught with uncertainty and moral ambiguity, showing that true bravery is not about always knowing the right answer but about being willing to act despite fear and doubt.

The novel also raises questions about justice and mercy. As Mulan encounters spirits in Diyu who have been condemned for their sins, she begins to question whether some souls deserve redemption or forgiveness. These moral dilemmas give the story a philosophical dimension, as Mulan must decide whether to follow the strict rules of Diyu or show compassion for those who suffer. This exploration of morality adds depth to Mulan’s character, showing her as a hero who is willing to question and adapt her beliefs.

Reflection is more than just a retelling of Mulan; it is a profound exploration of what it means to be human, to love, and to seek redemption. Elizabeth Lim’s nuanced portrayal of Mulan’s character, combined with the rich, mystical setting of Diyu, offers readers a fresh perspective on a beloved heroine. The novel delves into complex themes of honour, sacrifice, and identity, making it a story that resonates on both an emotional and philosophical level.

By taking Mulan on a journey through the Underworld, Lim transforms her from a courageous soldier into a symbol of resilience and compassion. Reflection invites readers to reflect on their own values and choices, reminding us that even in the face of darkness, we can find strength within ourselves and the people we love.

#book_reviews
#fantasy
#young_adult
#ficton
#romance
#adventure
#arts_culture
%wneverywhere
299219 - 2024-12-11 03:12:49

Tags

Music
Arts_culture
Film_tv_reviews
Free
Random
Family_friendly
Outdoor
Nightlife
Community
Food_drink
Festivals
Fundraisers
Educational
Classical_music
Holiday
Copyright 2024 OatLabs ABN 18113479226