drussell's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
anonymous_blobfish's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A re imagining of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, Spinning Silver follow Miryem, the daughter of Jewish moneylenders, Wanda, her bondsman, and Irina, future wife to a Russian Tsar. Together these 3 women must fight for themselves, their families, and their freedoms when a Staryk (fairyish) lord attempts to set permenant winter upon them.
I find it a little difficult to rate this one fairly as this comes not that long after I finished Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy which has a similar setting and plot (and was arguably better in my opinion). I definitely enjoyed this story although I found it lagged a little at times, often repeating the same conversations and problems several times over. I especially had difficulty telling the narrators apart: I listened to the audiobook and at first the narrator did not even add new voices which made it excessively difficult but there was also no discernible difference to the writing of the characters that it often necessitated specific conversation points (a sibling, a husband, a location) for me to identify the speaker (this was especially an issue when several POV characters were introduced quite late in the book).
In fairness to this book: I did not dislike it at all. I was deeply attached to Wanda and her brothers and I found the depiction of Miryem and her Jewishness fascinating, respectful and compelling. I also developed a grudging soft spot for a certain lordsicle. The story line was compelling and the pace, whilst a little inconsistent, kept me invested throughout. I think the strength of this work was in the scene writing, especially in conveying the brutality of the winter landscapes.
I think a lot of people will enjoy this story and a I would definitely recommend it.
I find it a little difficult to rate this one fairly as this comes not that long after I finished Katherine Arden’s Winternight trilogy which has a similar setting and plot (and was arguably better in my opinion). I definitely enjoyed this story although I found it lagged a little at times, often repeating the same conversations and problems several times over. I especially had difficulty telling the narrators apart: I listened to the audiobook and at first the narrator did not even add new voices which made it excessively difficult but there was also no discernible difference to the writing of the characters that it often necessitated specific conversation points (a sibling, a husband, a location) for me to identify the speaker (this was especially an issue when several POV characters were introduced quite late in the book).
In fairness to this book: I did not dislike it at all. I was deeply attached to Wanda and her brothers and I found the depiction of Miryem and her Jewishness fascinating, respectful and compelling. I also developed a grudging soft spot for a certain lordsicle. The story line was compelling and the pace, whilst a little inconsistent, kept me invested throughout. I think the strength of this work was in the scene writing, especially in conveying the brutality of the winter landscapes.
I think a lot of people will enjoy this story and a I would definitely recommend it.
clarissapoh's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.0
benzetsu's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
coramackenzie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kirs10geese's review against another edition
I might try this again in the future. I’m listening to the audiobook. I just don’t feel like any of the characters are fully developed. I do love multiple POVs and interweaving stories and the premise, but I just can’t get into it for now.
heyokah's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. This isn't an easy, fast paced read, so I wouldn't say that this book would be for everyone. The best I can describe it is "meaty". I love the old fashioned fairytale feeling it gives. I love the morally grey characters, and I had a hard time putting this down, because I just wanted to see what they would do next. My only complaint....this book switches narrators frequently, and it doesn't spoon feed to you who is telling the story at any given time. It was interesting, but I definitely had to be on my toes to follow some times. Even so, I enjoyed it and got the ending that I had hoped for.
misscassylee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75