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filliefanatic's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
3.0
looks like it'll be similar to seven wherewithal way, but is not - v much about loneliness
lisamchuk's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting story. I’m not the target audience for this, so found the main character a bit whiny. The nods to Slavic folklore are interesting, though this isn’t that Baba Yaga necessarily (or at least is the most kind Baba Yaga ever!). Worth a read if you’re the target audience.
bec_97's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
volchek's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"The House with Chicken Legs" is not just a book for young readers; it speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever grappled with finding their place in the world. It's rich with themes of tradition versus self-determination and the universal quest for belonging. The magical realism of the story provides a whimsical backdrop, but the emotional journey of Marinka, as she navigates the complexities of her legacy and the desire for her own path in life, resonates deeply. It’s a story that might particularly touch those who have experienced the push and pull between personal desires and familial expectations. Additionally, Anderson’s craftsmanship in blending folklore with a modern coming-of-age tale makes the book a thought-provoking read that stays with you long after the last page.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Unexpected themes and characters - contemporary look at Russian fairytale staples.
I just loved it. I really hope the themes don't stop parents from buying this for children, as it looks at death in a very child-centric way, with maturity and consideration.
If you know the story of Baba Yaga, as I do from childhood, you'll know the scary woman in the woods, in a magic house with magic animals, ready to eat and chase children. The Baba Yaga here is much more realistic, and she has an apprentice - Marinka.
Marinka and Baba Yaga work as guides, moving around the world in a house with legs and settling in places where they help the recently dead to move through to the spirit world. A fulfilling and pivotal role, and Baba Yaga thrives on meeting and aiding the dispossessed, and condensing their experiences and trials into the primary purpose and essence of their lives.
Her 12-year old apprentice however, feels uninspired and has itchy feet for something more...
In a story that travels the world, that has one (chicken) foot in our world and one in the hereafter, Marinka is the reader's guide to an adolescent's searching for her own purpose and role.
The protagonist is winning, a youth with yearnings we all know, who doesn't want to be pigeon-holed but feels beholden.
It's a fascinating look at 'end of life' celebrations, at European fairy tale traditions, and at the same time is a modern-enough-feeling young person trying to suss out their own future and push against the old-fashioned previous generations.
I loved the fact that the House is a character itself, with a personality, one of my favourite aspects of the book. I would LOVE to see this with adequate special effects put onto the screen.
It isn't as dark as it sounds, despite the subject matter. I hope readers discover the original Baba Yaga tales after this, and appreciate the insight into the character and figure.
Wonderful story, great characters, just magical, uplifting and hard to forget. One for ages 9-13.
With thanks to the publisher for the sample reading copy.
I just loved it. I really hope the themes don't stop parents from buying this for children, as it looks at death in a very child-centric way, with maturity and consideration.
If you know the story of Baba Yaga, as I do from childhood, you'll know the scary woman in the woods, in a magic house with magic animals, ready to eat and chase children. The Baba Yaga here is much more realistic, and she has an apprentice - Marinka.
Marinka and Baba Yaga work as guides, moving around the world in a house with legs and settling in places where they help the recently dead to move through to the spirit world. A fulfilling and pivotal role, and Baba Yaga thrives on meeting and aiding the dispossessed, and condensing their experiences and trials into the primary purpose and essence of their lives.
Her 12-year old apprentice however, feels uninspired and has itchy feet for something more...
In a story that travels the world, that has one (chicken) foot in our world and one in the hereafter, Marinka is the reader's guide to an adolescent's searching for her own purpose and role.
The protagonist is winning, a youth with yearnings we all know, who doesn't want to be pigeon-holed but feels beholden.
It's a fascinating look at 'end of life' celebrations, at European fairy tale traditions, and at the same time is a modern-enough-feeling young person trying to suss out their own future and push against the old-fashioned previous generations.
I loved the fact that the House is a character itself, with a personality, one of my favourite aspects of the book. I would LOVE to see this with adequate special effects put onto the screen.
It isn't as dark as it sounds, despite the subject matter. I hope readers discover the original Baba Yaga tales after this, and appreciate the insight into the character and figure.
Wonderful story, great characters, just magical, uplifting and hard to forget. One for ages 9-13.
With thanks to the publisher for the sample reading copy.
laurenbaggy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
Minor: Injury/Injury detail and Bullying
littlelifeofbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This book is when you look at a steaming bowl of borscht for the first time. It looks questionable but actually is decently yummy and comforting!