One of the things I love about this poem is how everything we see of Mulan’s experience in the army is emotional and tactile. There are no hard facts or details, only the feelings she has. We cut back and forth between hectic battles and quiet, cold nights alone in camp. There is no in-between, even though, later in the story, we find that she has clearly made life-long bonds with her compatriots.

Also, ten years is a long time.

ALSO, the Kickstarter for this book only has a week left!! Get it now or get it never (well, not never, but if you’re reading this it’s easier to get it now).