Girls of Paper and Fire (book)
Girls of Paper and Fire is a 2018 young adult fantasy book authored by Natasha Ngan, marking the beginning of the Girls of Paper and Fire trilogy. The narrative explores a prohibited romance between two female concubines selected to serve the king, a plotline recognized by the American Library Association for its distinctive portrayal of a same-sex relationship within young adult fantasy literature.
Plot summary
The tale unfolds in Ikhara, a fictional realm inspired by Chinese and Malaysian cultures, where society is stratified into three distinct classes: the Moon Caste (Demons) characterized by full animalistic features, the Steel Caste possessing partial demonic traits, and the Paper Caste, entirely human and regarded as the lowest tier. The dominant Moon Caste annually chooses eight girls from the Paper Caste, known as "Paper Girls," to become concubines for the Demon King.
The protagonist, Lei, is a seventeen-year-old selected as an additional ninth Paper Girl. Although romantic relationships are forbidden, she develops feelings for Wren, another Paper Girl, during their training period. After refusing the king’s advances, Lei attempts to flee in order to safeguard herself and Wren.
Characters
- Lei, a seventeen-year-old Paper Caste girl with distinctive golden eyes considered a symbol of luck. She becomes the ninth Paper Girl and undergoes training at the Women's Court. Lei forms a secret romantic bond with Wren.
- Wren, also from the Paper Caste and chosen alongside Lei as a Paper Girl. Initially shy, she gradually becomes emotionally close to Lei, resulting in their clandestine relationship.
- The Demon King, Ikhara’s ruler, depicted as a bull demon.
- Aoki, Lei’s closest companion and fellow Paper Girl, who develops feelings for the Demon King.
- Blue, an aristocratic Paper Girl who frequently mistreats Lei.
- Mariko, an associate of Blue’s who was expelled from the palace after her affair with a soldier was revealed; she bears the mark 烂 (Chinese: làn, meaning rotten) carved into her forehead.
- Zhen and Zhin, noble twin sisters belonging to the aristocratic Paper caste.
- Chenna, another member of the Paper Girls.
- Rue, a Paper Caste girl who used enchantment to become a Paper Girl but was exiled upon discovery.
Background
This novel confronts subjects such as sexual violence, homophobia, and the exploitation of women’s bodies. Drawing from her own experience as a survivor of abuse, the author thoughtfully addresses these sensitive topics for a teenage audience without sensationalizing sexual trauma.
Reception
Girls of Paper and Fire entered the New York Times Bestseller List in the Young Adult Hardcover category upon its release.