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A review by per_fictionist
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
5.0
With rich characters and exquisite storytelling , Naomi Novik has weaved a brilliant fantasy, a Rumpelstiltskin retelling that I just can’t get over. Spinning Silver being my first Novik novel , I honestly didn’t know what to expect. And oh Lord, did it take my heart by storm? OOOOOHHH YESSSSS!!!!!
Spinning Silver opens up with Miriyem who is the daughter of a broke and expectionally kind moneylender who is failing in his business. With an ailing mother and winter that is so close to home, Miryem decides to take matters in her own hands and makes a drastic decision. Wanda, on the other hand with her drunkard of a father and two brothers live in the edge of the woods and their financial condition is no better. Irina, however lives a lavish life being the daughter of a merchant but fate strikes a cruel note and she is forced to live with someone she dreads.
Novik chronicles the journey of these three females and the hardships they face with a brilliant narrative. Miryem, Wanda and Irina though had contrasting personalities, the parallels between them is vivid in terms of their fight against patriarchy and unrequited love for their dear ones. The three of them are selfless, independent and are a force to be reckoned with. We experience love in different forms throughout the book be it Wanda who wants to despise her brothers for snatching their mother away unknowingly loves and cares for them with all her being. Miryem’s love for her family that pushes her to the mouth of danger and Irina being soft whenever required.
Spinning Silver has a mesmerizing start full of intrigue and keeps you on the edge from the very first chapter. Although I admit, the writing is a bit different and a tad difficult to get into but it slowly grows on you and the impeccable use of Novik’s words makes the book stand out. Novik in her book sketches the theme of feminism and of girls fending for themselves that acts as an icing on the cake.
Unique, a fantasy like no other, full of adventure and plot twists, characters carved with precision makes the book a memorable and stays with you for quite some time.
Spinning Silver opens up with Miriyem who is the daughter of a broke and expectionally kind moneylender who is failing in his business. With an ailing mother and winter that is so close to home, Miryem decides to take matters in her own hands and makes a drastic decision. Wanda, on the other hand with her drunkard of a father and two brothers live in the edge of the woods and their financial condition is no better. Irina, however lives a lavish life being the daughter of a merchant but fate strikes a cruel note and she is forced to live with someone she dreads.
Novik chronicles the journey of these three females and the hardships they face with a brilliant narrative. Miryem, Wanda and Irina though had contrasting personalities, the parallels between them is vivid in terms of their fight against patriarchy and unrequited love for their dear ones. The three of them are selfless, independent and are a force to be reckoned with. We experience love in different forms throughout the book be it Wanda who wants to despise her brothers for snatching their mother away unknowingly loves and cares for them with all her being. Miryem’s love for her family that pushes her to the mouth of danger and Irina being soft whenever required.
Spinning Silver has a mesmerizing start full of intrigue and keeps you on the edge from the very first chapter. Although I admit, the writing is a bit different and a tad difficult to get into but it slowly grows on you and the impeccable use of Novik’s words makes the book stand out. Novik in her book sketches the theme of feminism and of girls fending for themselves that acts as an icing on the cake.
Unique, a fantasy like no other, full of adventure and plot twists, characters carved with precision makes the book a memorable and stays with you for quite some time.