In A Memory Called Empire, Arkady Martine delves into the intriguing intersection between our past and future selves, exploring themes of institutional memory versus lived experience. The book’s dedication to those who have fallen in love with a culture devouring their own sets the tone for a narrative filled with complex cultural entanglements.
The protagonist, Mahit Dzmare, finds herself in the heart of the Teixcalaanli Empire with three essential goals: safeguarding her station’s interests, uncovering the mystery behind her predecessor’s death, and avoiding a similar fate. However, despite being portrayed as highly intelligent, Mahit often makes frustratingly poor decisions, relying on luck and happenstance to navigate the complexities of her new environment.
One of the book’s strengths lies in the character of Three Seagrass, whose confidence and determination make her a standout presence. Yet, her tendency to insert racist microaggressions into conversations with Mahit adds a layer of discomfort to the narrative, highlighting the deep-rooted prejudices within the Teixcalaanli society.
The ending, while abrupt, fails to deliver the anticipated climax, with the sudden death of the emperor deflating the tension that should have marked the story’s pinnacle. The warring factions lack depth, leaving readers wanting in terms of their development.
Additionally, certain plot points, such as Yskandr’s intact imago, feel predictable and serve as a convenient solution to the challenges faced by the characters. The relationship between Mahit and her imago, while intriguing, deviates from the established rules of the story’s universe, creating a sense of inconsistency.
Despite these issues, A Memory Called Empire has moments of enjoyment. The exploration of cultural assimilation and the clash of identities within an empire provides food for thought. However, the casual racism and dehumanization depicted in the narrative might prove unsettling for some readers.
As a reader, I find myself on the fence about this book. The sequel, A Desolation Called Peace, holds the promise of resolving some lingering uncertainties. Whether it will sway my opinion one way or the other remains to be seen.
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