The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang

📚 Book

In the next meeting of Cologne book club, we will be discussing The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang.

The Poppy War is a dark and powerful fantasy novel inspired by Chinese history, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War and the tumultuous events of 20th-century East Asia. The story follows Rin, a war orphan from the impoverished south of the Nikara Empire, who earns a place at an elite military academy through sheer determination and brilliance. As Rin uncovers her latent shamanic powers and is thrust into the horrors of war, she must confront the limits of power, morality, and vengeance.

R. F. Kuang combines epic world-building with brutal realism, crafting a story that challenges genre conventions and refuses to shy away from the devastating consequences of violence. The novel weaves together mythology, military strategy, and political intrigue to explore themes of trauma, identity, and the cost of ambition.

The Poppy War is an intense and thought-provoking read that raises difficult questions about heroism, sacrifice, and the legacy of war. Kuang’s bold debut marks a significant contribution to modern fantasy, blending historical depth with emotional and psychological complexity.

More information about The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang:
🔗 https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35068705-the-poppy-war

❓How is the next book chosen?
At the end of each session, everyone attending gets the chance to recommend a book. Then, we take a vote, and the book with the most votes will be chosen. If you are attending the meet up, you will be able to decide on the next book.

📍 Venue
We will meet at Kulturraum 405, a wonderful space that provides a cozy and inspiring environment for our book club gatherings. As a small community initiative, they kindly request a voluntary donation of approximately €3 per person to support their ongoing efforts in maintaining the location and ensuring consistent meet ups for us.
For more information check out https://kulturraum405.de

Organiser
Participation for this event is free of charge.
🕦 We will start at 11:30. Please arrive a bit earlier to settle in comfortably.
Your contribution towards the venue is greatly appreciated and will help us maintain a dedicated space for our book club meetings. However, if you are unable to donate, please don't let that discourage you from joining us. Your presence and participation are what truly matter.

Let's make this event inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. If you know that you cannot attend, please update your RSVP status accordingly.
⚠️ Please be aware that if you sign up for an event and either fail to show up or cancel at the last minute without notice more than three times consecutively, priority will be given to individuals on the waiting list instead of you.