A Memory Called Empire

Mahit Dzmare, the protagonist of A Memory Called Empire and Lsel Station’s current ambassador to the Teixcalaanli Empire, grew up on the space station wedged between alien civilizations and the Empire. She is called a barbarian by Teixcalaanli citizens, but describes herself as “tall and high-foreheaded and narrow-faced with her long, aquiline nose” (436), someone who smiles with her teeth—which is considered strange in the Empire. She is nominated for an ambassador position by Aknel Amnardbat, head of a Lsel Station group called Heritage, yet faces sabotage from her home: Mahit is implanted with an outdated imago device storing previous ambassador Yskandr Aghavn’s memories, damaged by Amnardbat. Mahit’s incomplete integration with this imago device and Yskandr’s mysterious death drive much of the plot. A dynamic character, she develops her love of Teixcalaanli culture, allowing her to criticize the Empire and City that often don’t live up to their own image.

Mahit spends much of the novel guided by Three Seagrass, a cultural liaison or asekreta, and antagonistic ally Nineteen Adze, a confidant to Emperor Six Direction or an ezuazuacat. Once implanted with the updated Yskandr, Mahit and his integration appears seamless. This Yskandr comments on Mahit’s maturity when she meets the Emperor to warn him of an alien threat: “It took me a decade to fall.