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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
Wow. This was recommended by a coworker who's opinions I consider pretty much the gospel. And she was right. It's beautifully written, intense, and...well...depressing. But the only reason it doesn't get five stars is because I really want to know what happened to Melkorka's family!
This was frustrating and highly uneven, particularly in terms of the writing. I wanted more backstory on just about everybody - but since our protagonist doesn't talk, she can't ask! The ending was unsatisfactory too. Though I felt vaguely mollified by the historical note at the end, it was too little, too late - and not enough to save this mess.
Fantastic book - even if it is a far cry from what I have been reading. Still, I would definitely recommend this book, especially to anyone that really enjoys historical fiction. The accuracy of the history - and the unique setting (in particular, the Norse traditions and language) made me really happy (Side note: En Rosa Helikopter randomly played while I was reading the later part of the story, and it was like being in Sweden all over again. Lol.). Definitely enjoyed this. Thank you, Courtney.
This was a first for me, i have never read anything about slaves or vikings before and i enjoyed learning about them. I loved how strong the main character was, i did think how sad it was that she and her sister left their home to go into hiding from the vikings only for Melkorka to end up with vikings in the end. The thing i didn't like though was the ending, i love happy endings and it felt like Gone Girl all over again :(
Donna JO Napoli did explain at the end though that this story is based on a real event that happened, i wish i had read that to start with so i wasn't so disappointed with the ending. That being said i spent all day reading it and i did love it, the pace was perfect and i cant think of a bad think to say apart from the ending (which wasn't awful, just the opposite of what i thought)
:)
Donna JO Napoli did explain at the end though that this story is based on a real event that happened, i wish i had read that to start with so i wasn't so disappointed with the ending. That being said i spent all day reading it and i did love it, the pace was perfect and i cant think of a bad think to say apart from the ending (which wasn't awful, just the opposite of what i thought)
:)
Malorka is an Irish princess whose brother is wronged by a Norse man. In revenge her father has decided to deceive and then ambush them. In order to keep Malorka and her sister Brid? safe, they are sent off disguised as peasant boys on horseback. But, they are captured by Russian slave traders - she finds her power in not speaking. Coming of age in these circumstances.
There is mistreatment of women, some kindness, sex, and an ending that isn't tied up nicely but the main character comes to accept that so the reader can as well. Better for an older teen girl(15+).
There is mistreatment of women, some kindness, sex, and an ending that isn't tied up nicely but the main character comes to accept that so the reader can as well. Better for an older teen girl(15+).
I wish I could give 3 and a half stars.
I had some difficulty to understand all the vocabulary, but then I could get the flow and enjoy the book, just needed a couple of dictionary trips lol
The story is pretty sad and kind of violent for a young-adult, which makes the book more interesting IMO, with a realistic feeling and a lot of historical describing.
My favorite part is the end, it´s amazing the evolution of her character, how she sees things and I think her decision is completely understandable.
I had some difficulty to understand all the vocabulary, but then I could get the flow and enjoy the book, just needed a couple of dictionary trips lol
The story is pretty sad and kind of violent for a young-adult, which makes the book more interesting IMO, with a realistic feeling and a lot of historical describing.
My favorite part is the end, it´s amazing the evolution of her character, how she sees things and I think her decision is completely understandable.
I strayed away from my favorite genre last month, but like a magnet I was pulled to the past yet again, and was amazed by the piece of spellbinding work I read. HUSH by Donna Jo Napoli is a memorizing retelling of an Irish princess' silent existence as a captive aboard a Scandinavian ship.
On what should be a... pleasant trip to Dublin, Princess Melkorka – Mel for short, quickly becomes aware of the dangers that savage Vikings inflict. In desperation and fear for her safety, Mel's parents instruct her and younger sister, Brigid, to flee in disguise. Barely a day into their escape, the girls are kidnapped and taken prisoner aboard a slave ship, where Mel finds strength in saying nothing at all.
Within minutes of reading you are thrown into the early 900s, a time period I'll admit I've read little about. Napoli pays close attention to detail, and I was literally lost in her words. (ask my family. as I was parked on the couch the whole weekend.) Mel finds solace and power in her vow of silence. The clarity in her decisions and actions as a character is refreshing to read in a Young Adult book. Secure in tranquility, Mel becomes a fascination for the crew of brutal sailors and she is empowered to stand up for those around her. Though there are many cruel injustices that Mel experiences and observes, a sort of peace comes over you on her journey. You are compelled to read every touching passage of the terrifying adventure...
I think we all know my love for historical fiction if you didn't, you do now. But HUSH is much more than a romanticized novel set back in time, actually it's far from it. The depth and realism of this novel was gripping. I think adults could appreciate this book even more that the teenage audience it was initially intended. Enchanting and thought provoking for all the right reasons, HUSH is story-telling a its finest. Easily 5 stars.
On what should be a... pleasant trip to Dublin, Princess Melkorka – Mel for short, quickly becomes aware of the dangers that savage Vikings inflict. In desperation and fear for her safety, Mel's parents instruct her and younger sister, Brigid, to flee in disguise. Barely a day into their escape, the girls are kidnapped and taken prisoner aboard a slave ship, where Mel finds strength in saying nothing at all.
Within minutes of reading you are thrown into the early 900s, a time period I'll admit I've read little about. Napoli pays close attention to detail, and I was literally lost in her words. (ask my family. as I was parked on the couch the whole weekend.) Mel finds solace and power in her vow of silence. The clarity in her decisions and actions as a character is refreshing to read in a Young Adult book. Secure in tranquility, Mel becomes a fascination for the crew of brutal sailors and she is empowered to stand up for those around her. Though there are many cruel injustices that Mel experiences and observes, a sort of peace comes over you on her journey. You are compelled to read every touching passage of the terrifying adventure...
I think we all know my love for historical fiction if you didn't, you do now. But HUSH is much more than a romanticized novel set back in time, actually it's far from it. The depth and realism of this novel was gripping. I think adults could appreciate this book even more that the teenage audience it was initially intended. Enchanting and thought provoking for all the right reasons, HUSH is story-telling a its finest. Easily 5 stars.
Usually I like Donna Jo Napoli's books, even though they are almost always pretty introspective from the character's point of view. This book really didn't work well with her style. The story was interesting, but I feel it would have been better if there was a little more substance to it. All in all...don't waste your time.
Pretty solid (but dark) historical fiction. I remember really liking Hidden so I'm glad this one was also enjoyable. A bit Stockholm Syndrome-y by the end but I guess that's the point