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A review by tienno22
Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher
fast-paced
5.0
Reread. I read this once about a decade ago, and I enjoyed it as much now as I did then... except now, I have a better appreciation for the literary masterpiece of this. These are one of the few books that I will say is full of literary merit AND is perfect for the ordinary audience just looking for a good story.
The plot is compelling (see sypnosis below). Right from the start, you are hooked. There are exciting and unexpected plot points throughout the novel that keep the action moving. It's never stagnant. You never need to worry about being bored. Yet, in all this action, Fletcher manages to weave a story with complex, dynamic characters. She explores grey characters, who are full people in themselves. She explores pain, suffering, forgiveness, and justice. She explores love and hate. Fletcher delicately balances the dilemma of forgiveness and justice -- though it's clear which way she leans. Loyal to reality, Fletcher does not force a side or point but rather presents both, leaving it open to readers to decide. She tackles hard topics that have no clear answers. However, I admire Fletcher's ability to present these topics and not concretely stamp her answer on it. To not make it clear or clean. The answer is ambiguous, just as it would be in the real world, and I appreciate her for that. The struggle is there. I know which way I lean, but I also have an issue with the way I lean.
All in all, this is both a great story and great literary piece about justice and forgiveness. It excels in both its ability to captivate and entertain AND to explore and discuss complex issues.
All these characters are so lovable and different. They are not cookie-cutter. They are unique, and there is someone that everyone can like. Exciting plot. Lovable characters. And I have nothing else to say except to expect the unexpected.
SYPNOSIS:
The sultan has vowed to take and dispose of a new wife daily because his first wife/love had been unfaithful and betrayed him. Shahrazad marries him, and for 2 years there is peace. Every night, she begins a story, and the Sultan lets her live another day. She has survived almost 1000 nights, but after giving birth to her third son, Shahrazad is tired and out of stories. She enlists the help of Marjan and her sister to find more stories. As the two search for the only storyteller who knows the ending of the Sultan's favored story, danger lurks nearer within the harem walls.
The plot is compelling (see sypnosis below). Right from the start, you are hooked. There are exciting and unexpected plot points throughout the novel that keep the action moving. It's never stagnant. You never need to worry about being bored. Yet, in all this action, Fletcher manages to weave a story with complex, dynamic characters. She explores grey characters, who are full people in themselves. She explores pain, suffering, forgiveness, and justice. She explores love and hate. Fletcher delicately balances the dilemma of forgiveness and justice -- though it's clear which way she leans. Loyal to reality, Fletcher does not force a side or point but rather presents both, leaving it open to readers to decide. She tackles hard topics that have no clear answers. However, I admire Fletcher's ability to present these topics and not concretely stamp her answer on it. To not make it clear or clean. The answer is ambiguous, just as it would be in the real world, and I appreciate her for that. The struggle is there. I know which way I lean, but I also have an issue with the way I lean.
All in all, this is both a great story and great literary piece about justice and forgiveness. It excels in both its ability to captivate and entertain AND to explore and discuss complex issues.
All these characters are so lovable and different. They are not cookie-cutter. They are unique, and there is someone that everyone can like. Exciting plot. Lovable characters. And I have nothing else to say except to expect the unexpected.
SYPNOSIS:
The sultan has vowed to take and dispose of a new wife daily because his first wife/love had been unfaithful and betrayed him. Shahrazad marries him, and for 2 years there is peace. Every night, she begins a story, and the Sultan lets her live another day. She has survived almost 1000 nights, but after giving birth to her third son, Shahrazad is tired and out of stories. She enlists the help of Marjan and her sister to find more stories. As the two search for the only storyteller who knows the ending of the Sultan's favored story, danger lurks nearer within the harem walls.