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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.
vani_in_wonderland_'s review
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
turpial23's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
leovonahn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
themdash's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
andrewb21's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
This novel in verse is beautifully written, its language is poetic and transportive. Where I think the book slips up a little bit is in its structure. It jumps so frequently and haphazardly from time to time and character to character that those characters can’t really arc, and this really impedes their development and the overall flow of the narrative.
thaggstrom50's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
deedireads's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? No
4.75
All my reviews live at https://deedireads.com/
The moment Ædnan landed in my hands, I was excited to read it. And friends, I was not disappointed.
This translated novel in verse examines the impact of colonization of the Indigenous Samí people in Sweden over 100 years, through the eyes of three members of different generations. It’s absolutely stunning and deeply moving, with a translation that’s both accessible and musical. It’s about grief, the loss of history, the loss of language, the loss of home, and the rebuilding of identity. But it’s also about love and strength. Heartbreak and hope.
As you might expect, this is a great candidate for a simultaneous audiobook/print experience — just don’t take it too fast and don’t be afraid to pause and process!
If this is outside your usual wheelhouse (translated, in verse, set in Sweden) but still piques your interest, please give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
The moment Ædnan landed in my hands, I was excited to read it. And friends, I was not disappointed.
This translated novel in verse examines the impact of colonization of the Indigenous Samí people in Sweden over 100 years, through the eyes of three members of different generations. It’s absolutely stunning and deeply moving, with a translation that’s both accessible and musical. It’s about grief, the loss of history, the loss of language, the loss of home, and the rebuilding of identity. But it’s also about love and strength. Heartbreak and hope.
As you might expect, this is a great candidate for a simultaneous audiobook/print experience — just don’t take it too fast and don’t be afraid to pause and process!
If this is outside your usual wheelhouse (translated, in verse, set in Sweden) but still piques your interest, please give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Grief
Moderate: Colonisation