The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Middle Grade Something
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The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
3 STARS, Middle Grade Fiction, My format: hard cover
Goodreads Synopsis | Buy on BookShop
Sai comes from a poor background with no important lineage and plays the part of a well-bred lady so she can work for the famous mapmaker, Paiyoon. When an opportunity to sail the seas comes to assist Paiyoon with a map, she jumps at the chance to leave it all behind.
Personal Review:
So this was a fun adventure but I was kind of confused by some of it.
I couldn't figure out what kind of book it was supposed to be. Is it historical? Is it fantasy? Is there found family or coming of age? Is the cultural setting significant? Is it a real culture in the past or present? Why is the word "Last" in the title? I read every word of the book and I don't know the answer to any of these questions.
I suppose not every book has to answer those questions but I also feel like a book shouldn't leave me asking them over and over.
Aside from the questions, the story was fun and adventurous. The map-copying and plotting was interesting and my favorite part, I wish there was more of it and would be more likely to recommend it if that was the case. All in all, not terrible but I feel could have been so much better.
Content Warnings:
a young boy who incessantly curses (I didn’t recognize the curse words but it was still annoying), stranded at sea, child neglect