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reddeddy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Gore, Mental illness, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Body horror, Body shaming, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Vomit, Medical content, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
spiritedfaraway's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
“Are you going to save us, then?”
“If God gives me strength, I will save you.”
“I am only a country girl,” said Vasya. “I have never seen Tsargrad, or angels, or heard the voice of God. But I think you should be careful, Batyushka, that Gad does not speak in the voice of your own wishing. We have never needed saving before.”
This book flows really well even with all the different point of views and it just keeps you reading until you look up and realize that the sun has come back up and that the book is, unfortunately, finished.
The Bear and the Nightingale takes place in a fantasy version of historical Russia and tells the story of Vasya and her family. It reads like a fairytale and is absolutely beautifully written. Vasya is a wild child with a touch of magic and a willingness to be brave. The different relationships she has with her family are wonderful and feel very real. And her friendships with the spirits are lovingly written.
The few problems I had mostly had to do with the fact that there wasn't a lot that actually happened until almost the very end of the book. This is definitely a character driven story and if you love plot more then this might not be the book for you. I enjoyed reading this immensely though.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Mental illness and Miscarriage
Minor: Animal cruelty
maryellen's review against another edition
- 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
Loved it even more the second time.
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement and Fire/Fire injury