capriceum

Some intelligent writing on a few relevant themes here, namely identity, gender, and civilization. It took me about 150 pages to get used to everyone being referred to as "she" regardless of gender, but by the end of the book it felt more natural. I love that the Radchaai are largely an androgynous people, and that their gender expression is fluid.

"Or is anyone's identity a matter of fragments held together by convenient or useful narrative, that in ordinary circumstances never reveals itself as a fiction? Or is it really a fiction?" (pg. 207)

I like how Leckie handled the idea of what it means to be civilized. It was cool how Radchaai attire involved wearing jewelry with different meanings, and how the type of gloves one wore could indicate class. The "delicate satin gloves," for example, "suggested she never handled anything rougher or heavier than a bowl of tea."

The whole tea thing, by the way, was a great touch. I loved how it was a necessity for Radchaai citizens, and how what was considered "tea" was different on different planets/cultures. As an avid tea drinker, it was interesting seeing the pastime in such a role.

Etiquette was another big motif I noticed. I liked how the deepness of a bow indicated the level of respect, so that when Breq exchanged a shallow bow with someone you could tell they were kind of insulting each other.