Let's Talk: Privilege & "Sorcerer to the Crown" by Zen Cho

TL;DR

Zacharias, England's first African Sorcerer Royal, navigates prejudice and privilege while trying to solve a magic shortage crisis with the help of a talented female magician named Prunella.

Transcript

Bibliophiles of the internet, my name's Adriana and today I'm here to share my thoughts on "Sorcerer to the Crown" by Zen Cho. "Sorcerer to the Crown" is a fantasy of manners set during the Regency Era. It's about a character named Zacharias, who becomes England's first ever African Sorcerer Royal. His predecessor, mentor, and father-figure, Sir St... Read More

Key Insights

• 😀 "Sorcerer to the Crown" highlights the challenges individuals face when belonging to multiple marginalized groups.
• 👨‍⚖️ It emphasizes the importance of continuously fighting for justice and equality for different groups while acknowledging that privilege is relative.
• 🙂 The book sheds light on the complexities of relationships, especially those rooted in differing levels of privilege.
• ❓ It explores the impact of societal expectations and biases on individuals' identities and behaviors.
• ✊ The story raises awareness of the power dynamics within magic and the restrictions placed on specific groups.
• 🐎 "Sorcerer to the Crown" presents a reflection on the intersections of privilege, race, and gender in a fantasy setting.
• 💭 It showcases the author's skill in crafting a thought-provoking narrative while still providing an enjoyable and delightful story.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Zacharias' identity as an African Sorcerer Royal affect his ability to navigate society?

Zacharias faces constant prejudice and expectations to conform to societal norms due to racial biases associated with anger and violence. He is always on guard, aware that his actions directly impact how others perceive him and his ability to perform his duties.

Q: How does the book address the issue of white guilt and its impact on people of color?

Zacharias holds relationships with individuals who have more privilege, but he chooses not to burden them with the oppression and struggles he faces. The story highlights the extra burden placed on people of color and challenges the usefulness of white guilt in navigating racial dynamics.

Q: What insight does the book provide about the white savior complex?

The relationship between Zacharias and Sir Stephen exposes the complexities of the white savior complex. While Sir Stephen educated and saved Zacharias, there is resentment and a constant reminder that Zacharias was saved due to his perceived value, leading to a strained relationship.

Q: How does Prunella's presence as a biracial magician contribute to the exploration of privilege and discrimination?

Prunella's character brings a different perspective to the story. Despite facing discrimination due to her race and gender, she highlights the privilege Zacharias holds as a man. Their connection allows for a deeper understanding of privilege while acknowledging the separate struggles they each face.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Sorcerer to the Crown" is a fantasy novel set during the Regency Era, following Zacharias, the first African Sorcerer Royal, as he deals with a magic shortage in England.

• The book explores the intersections of privilege, race, and gender, presenting a strong social commentary on how these factors affect individuals' ability to navigate society.

• Zacharias' struggles with prejudice and the burden of maintaining a stressful office, while also tackling the uselessness of white guilt and the complexity of his relationships.