Sondok: Princess of the Moon and Stars (The Royal Diaries)

by The Royal Diaries (Series)

Other authorsSheri Holman (Author)
Hardcover, 2002

Status

Available

Local notes

Fic Roy

Barcode

517

Collection

Genres

Publication

Scholastic Inc. (2002), 192 pages

Description

In a series of messages placed in her grandmother's ancestral jar, a seventh century princess and future ruler of the Korean kingdom of Silla vents her frustration at not being permitted to study astronomy because she is a girl.

Language

Original language

English

Physical description

192 p.; 7.74 inches

User reviews

LibraryThing member t1bclasslibrary
Sondok is interesting because she is struggling with typical adolescent issues while struggling with her father and her coming into power as the first female ruler of her country. Some portions of the book seemed like forced culture lessons, though they were interesting nonetheless. Sondok's
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greatest passion is her astronomy, and she remains true to this in the end.
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LibraryThing member hgcslibrary
In a series of messages placed in her grandmother's ancestral jar, a sixth century princess and future ruler of the Korean kingdom of Silla, vents her frustration at not being able to study astronomy because she is a girl.
LibraryThing member Beammey
I liked the book! I thought it was good, but not amazing. I did like the astrological aspect of it though and I did stay interested. For a person in the right age group I can see how this would be a big hit. Very good. 3.75 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it.
LibraryThing member davisfamily
Looking for more information on Sondok, had a list of resources in the back. Written in diary format.
LibraryThing member mimo
This book is written as a diary by a young Sondok, soon to be first Queen of Silla Korea, A.D. 595. Even though Sondok is heir to the throne, her father the King of Silla kingdom disapproves of her study of astronomy, believing that such academic endeavors are not suitable for females. Sondok
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struggles with this personally, as well as with the discordances between the Buddhist beliefs of her kingdom, the Shamanistic practices of the older generations, and the growing Confucian influence from her kingdom's "Older Brother China."

While this historical figure and period of pre-unified Korea was fascinating to read about, there was something about the voice and language weaved into Sondok's narrative that I had difficulty believing as very realistic. Also, I couldn't help but feel that Sondok had decidedly Western point-of-view of her world even though she was supposed to be a young Buddhist Korean girl. Still, it did feel like the author gave it her best effort and intent to share the culture and perspectives of Silla Korea.
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Pages

192

Rating

½ (69 ratings; 3.6)
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