Reading Between the Lines

‘A Clash of Steel’ reimagines a beloved classic

by Shuyler Clark

As part of a collection of classic reimagining’s known as the Remixed Classics series, A Clash of Steel by C.B. Lee delivers a new take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Set in 1800s China, the story follows Shi Xiang, a young girl who strives to meet her mother’s expectations but always falls short. When presented with an opportunity to leave the tiny village she was raised in and move to Canton to learn how to operate her mother’s tea house, Xiang jumps into the challenge without hesitation.

In Canton, Xiang encounters Anh, a seafaring lady and slippery thief who steals Xiang’s prized gold pendant. Xiang has given up all hope of seeing the pendant again until Anh returns with a revelation: the pendant contains a piece of the map leading to the treasure of legendary pirate Zheng Yi Sao. Anh recruits Xiang to help track down the treasure, and Xiang uses the opportunity to prove herself to her mother at last.

Lee’s entry into the Remixed Classics series holds its own as an entertaining young adult novel, regardless of comparisons to the original Treasure Island. Setting the story in a time period when globalization was just taking off provides a diverse, unique locale to accompany the character’s treasure-hunting escapades. Lee’s lush prose fantastically establishes each city, particularly Canton, to the point where the seafaring sections of the book feel bland by comparison.

This setting also complements the characters, influencing Xiang’s development as she leaves her tiny, secluded village for cities that overflow with a diversity of peoples, languages, and cuisines. In addition, Lee uses this setting to introduce young readers to the legend of Zheng Yi Sao, a real, historical figure and arguably one of the most successful pirates in history. Despite giving the legend her own twist, Lee maintains a degree of historical accuracy as she explains in the author’s note. That said, the novel mainly focuses on Xiang’s journey to self-acceptance and understanding of her sexuality as she falls in love with Anh.

Although the depiction of sapphic relationships is welcome in an overwhelmingly heterosexual genre, Xiang’s relationship with Anh does bear the mark of insta-love, or a relationship that becomes romantic with little to no development beforehand. Xiang’s gradual realization and acceptance of her feelings is realistic, but her instant infatuation with a character she has only known briefly weighs down this character development. Since the story is mostly told from Xiang’s perspective, readers do not receive direct insight into Anh’s feelings; including Anh’s perspective could have granted readers stronger insight into their relationship.

Regardless of these flaws, A Clash of Steel is a charming coming-of-age story and a wonderful selection for readers seeking sapphic and Asian representation. Those who enjoy this classic retelling can expect similar diversity in the other Remixed Classics entries, including retellings of Robin Hood, Little Women, The Great Gatsby, and others.

Shuyler Clark