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elnorman's review
4.0
Really enjoyed this achingly beautiful epic poem/ novel-in-verse about two Sámi families, set over a period of 100 years. I learned so much about the Sámi people and their history, the landscape of norrthern Scandinavia and the changes over time for both. The book is also filled with beautiful phrases such as "alone among the lichen" or "my gaze in the eye of the loon" (great translation by Saskia Vogel) and images such as a golden eagle next to a reindeer. Thanks to Netgalley and Knopf for an eARC.
libraryoflanelle's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kelleydoesbooks's review
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
nuthatch's review
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The book is an epic poem.
bookmaddie's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Death of parent
mgnschmtt08's review
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
booksbybrady's review
challenging
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
annalee95's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
greyemk's review
4.25
I really, really liked the first two parts and part 3 fell apart a bit.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel in verse before and I really liked it. I’m not sure my normal types of analysis apply to poetry but the spareness felt both natural (as in, the natural landscape) and metaphorical (for the loss of language). It was very emotional in very few words. There was also a nice differentiation of voice between the narrating characters, which was very impressive for the type of writing.
I don’t think I’ve ever read a novel in verse before and I really liked it. I’m not sure my normal types of analysis apply to poetry but the spareness felt both natural (as in, the natural landscape) and metaphorical (for the loss of language). It was very emotional in very few words. There was also a nice differentiation of voice between the narrating characters, which was very impressive for the type of writing.