karareadshobby's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.0
jerihurd's review
4.0
Another enjoyable book that just tells a good story with no great literary aspirations. Not your typical fantasy and very evocative of Central European folk tales.
pemdas97's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theoliveprincess's review
5.0
I had no idea what a fabulous work of art this was going to be - is. There was a moment, at about chapter 7, where I let my mind stray a bit and wonder if I was going to enjoy the rest of the book if something didn't happen soon but I was quickly brought back around and I just let go of any more expectations and let myself enjoy the leisurely pace the story took to unfold. Just wow. Each little detail, character, word - each thing meant something in the big scheme of things. I don't think any time was wasted or any sentence carelessly written. There were two women I kept confusing with each other but it was more because of their role as "shopkeeper's wife who basically runs things and has opinions" ha. I am in love with almost every character in this book, and have a grudging respect for the "villain". When a character takes on an assumed role, and then re-thinks that role and makes a choice to adjust their thoughts or actions toward a new end - good or bad - I just become more invested. Even the ending of the book took it's own time to happen. It didn't rush, it didn't drag on...it was perfect. What a perfect book.
sandra_broadwill's review against another edition
4.0
A dark fairy tale that carried me along its meandering path. Not a romance as I expected, but a story about two impossible beings trying to make their way in a new world, and finding solace in their shared burden.
historygoose's review
4.0
This has been on my TBR for years and should have been taken off long ago. Folktales, early American immigrant communities, some religious elements and overlapping story lines. Who could ask for more? If this has been sitting around the borders of your intended reading get on it this year.
oscarbilde's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Kind of lost me towards the end but I did enjoy it
bookkeepingcat's review against another edition
4.0
An incredible serie of stories woven in one book, filled with middle-eastern myths and legends. I was absolutely taken from the beginning, even at one point I was a little bit confused about the story line.
kennyjber's review
5.0
Long but worth it
A great grand tale. Love story mixed with an immigrant story told in the wonderful backdrop of turn of the century new york. Mix of mysticism, religion, adventure, and love.
A great grand tale. Love story mixed with an immigrant story told in the wonderful backdrop of turn of the century new york. Mix of mysticism, religion, adventure, and love.