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laurajeangrace's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Violence, Antisemitism, Death of parent, Confinement, and Death
Minor: Rape
soundlysmitten's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Something I admired about this novel is the variety of myths it draws from while still maintaining a distinct narrative. To name a few: Miryem’s trials with the Staryk King channel the tales of Rumpelstiltskin and Hades & Persephone, Irina’s predicament with Mirnatius incorporates aspects of Bluebeard and One Thousand and One Nights, and Wanda’s story seems to involve elements of Hansel and Gretel as well as The Juniper Tree.
However, if you enjoy an abundance of action, this might not be the book for you. The content is complex but the pace is more leisurely and the quaint language and spellbinding imagery are best appreciated unhurried. With a myriad of POVs to boast, the story does meander quite a bit, but I personally enjoyed the way it goes. Some people mention disliking how the author chose to use the symbol of a spinning wheel to signify a change in perspective rather than label each section by name. But again, I found the spinning wheel charming and thought there was always enough context to properly glean who was speaking.
As the most popular narrative still seems to imply a heroine must be of ‘unparalleled beauty’ or whatever, I appreciated that the women in Spinning Silver are not prized for their appearance, but for their agency, loyalty, and resoluteness. They each have some questionable moments, but it seems natural for a person’s flaws to flare dramatically in survival mode. And by the end, Irina learns to wield a balance of cunning and compassion, Wanda pairs her newfound independence with fierce devotion, and Miryem is both empowered and humbled at once. Even though there’s a bit of romance in the conclusion of the story, I was glad to see each character’s personal journey played out independently first. And I loved that the story emphasizes family more than romance. Let sisterhood and found families abound 😽
Most notably, I’d like to acknowledge the portrayal of Jewish heritage in Spinning Silver. To me, one of the most beautiful parts of the book involves the gifting of a Jewish name. Of course, there’s also mentions of hatefulness which point to the history of antisemitism. But in retrospect, I see how Miryem playing Rumpelstiltskin, specifically, may further serve to challenge antisemitic stereotypes. This connection was lost on me initially because I was ignorant till just now of the roots of the fairytale I grew up hearing. And turns out this is not the only tale by the Brothers Grimm inspired by antisemitism… Is this common knowledge?
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Antisemitism, Confinement, Death of parent, Grief, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Torture
talonsontypewriters's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Antisemitism, Death, Death of parent, Murder, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Grief, Body horror, Blood, Xenophobia, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Confinement, and Sexism
Minor: Child death, Vomit, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Rape, and Pedophilia
Passing mentions of infant death, death by childbirth, child marriage, and execution by hanging. Themes around agency, obligations, and possessiveness -- specifically of daughters/wives/women overall -- in family relationships and marriage. Sexual assault/harassment is mentioned and discussed but mostly not present; several scenes involve pressure upon mutually unconsenting parties to consummate a relationship and unwanted sexual advances.readandfindout's review against another edition
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Themes: 4 stars
Characters: 4 stars
Plot: 3.5 stars
Worldbuilding: 4 stars
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Death, Religious bigotry, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Antisemitism, Alcoholism, Child death, Death of parent, Body horror, Violence, Sexism, Grief, Confinement, Racism, Torture, and Blood
Minor: Animal death and Miscarriage
nomora's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.75
Moderate: Alcoholism and Body horror
Minor: Animal death, Antisemitism, Child abuse, Confinement, Physical abuse, and Sexism
water_violin's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Antisemitism, Confinement, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Child abuse
Minor: Homophobia and Miscarriage
adoras's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Graphic: Antisemitism, Child abuse, Child death, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Animal death, Confinement, and Domestic abuse