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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
Firstly, how have I not read any [a:Marcus Sedgwick|110234|Marcus Sedgwick|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1298204345p2/110234.jpg] before! This was a gripping book that was a pleasure to read. It's the first time in a long while that I have made extra time in my day to pick up a book, rather than just reading before bed.
This is a story of a love and sacrifice so strong that it transcends the ages. Eric and Melle, their seven lives, fleeting moments, finding each other. Where does their connection start? What created their bond? What is the secret of the dragon lotus flower? Well you'll have to read the book to find out!
This is a story of a love and sacrifice so strong that it transcends the ages. Eric and Melle, their seven lives, fleeting moments, finding each other. Where does their connection start? What created their bond? What is the secret of the dragon lotus flower? Well you'll have to read the book to find out!
Not my kind of thing usually, however I've nothing but fond memories of this novel
I've never quite read a book like this before. I really enjoyed reading each story, so different and odd from previous short stories that I have read. Sedgwick is a great writer, and his prose kept me hooked throughout. The way the seven stories all come together is wonderfully done.
first read this book for school in like year 8 (like 11/12 years ago??) and it’s stuck with me since, despite not really remembering much about it other than that it was weird and about reincarnated lovers. i’m really glad i reread it, and i definitely understand why i loved it so much as a kid. it’s creepy and atmospheric, and the characterisation and world building is fascinating!
Midwinterblood, which won YALSA’s 2014 Printz Award, is not a novel so much as it is a collection of seven linked short stories that focus on the theme of sacrifice, be it metaphorical, or of the human sacrifice variety. Each story takes place on the fictional Scandanavian island of Blessed, at different points in history, ranging from the year 2073, to an unnamed year in mankind’s prehistory. The one thing that ties the stories together is that each contains a male character named Eric, and a female character named Merle. Even though Eric and Merle's roles change dramatically with each new chapter, it's the fate of this man and woman that ultimately forms the heart and purpose of Sedgwick's work of fiction.
For us adults, Midwinterblood can be seen as a strange but impressive literary feat. Although it starts out slow, it gets better with each chapter. The deeper you descend into the guts of the work, the darker and weirder each chapter becomes—and, consequently, the more gripping! Now, in regards to how teens will like it? Don't be surprised if you don't see a sudden demand for this novel at your library. Printz Awards focus on literary quality, not on popularity. Midwinterblood will certainly never be a mega-bestseller, nor will it be universally appreciated by teens. By virtue of its content, it would really fare better in the hands of dedicated mature readers, say, ages 17 to adult, mainly due to its subject matter. That’s not to say there’s a lot of graphic sex and violence involved. No, Sedgwick is really more interested in exploring the theme of love, and not the fiery, passionate kind, either. While there is a chapter dedicated to a pair of doomed lovers, Midwinterblood is mostly concerned with mature love, such as the kind found in a decades-old marriage, or the simple, basic human connection achieved between different generations. While it may be impressive to adults, it’s certainly not exciting enough to grab your average teen's interest right off the bat. I’ll just say this: it’s not a book that I would recommend lightly for teens. If, however, you feel the need to share it with this age group, I would recommend the older age bracket, ages 16-up.
For us adults, Midwinterblood can be seen as a strange but impressive literary feat. Although it starts out slow, it gets better with each chapter. The deeper you descend into the guts of the work, the darker and weirder each chapter becomes—and, consequently, the more gripping! Now, in regards to how teens will like it? Don't be surprised if you don't see a sudden demand for this novel at your library. Printz Awards focus on literary quality, not on popularity. Midwinterblood will certainly never be a mega-bestseller, nor will it be universally appreciated by teens. By virtue of its content, it would really fare better in the hands of dedicated mature readers, say, ages 17 to adult, mainly due to its subject matter. That’s not to say there’s a lot of graphic sex and violence involved. No, Sedgwick is really more interested in exploring the theme of love, and not the fiery, passionate kind, either. While there is a chapter dedicated to a pair of doomed lovers, Midwinterblood is mostly concerned with mature love, such as the kind found in a decades-old marriage, or the simple, basic human connection achieved between different generations. While it may be impressive to adults, it’s certainly not exciting enough to grab your average teen's interest right off the bat. I’ll just say this: it’s not a book that I would recommend lightly for teens. If, however, you feel the need to share it with this age group, I would recommend the older age bracket, ages 16-up.
Holy crap, what a snooze fest! I'm so mad at myself for reading this garbage.
Spooky and atmospheric, less horror and more remote-island-gothic. A good, fast, cold winter's night read.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Really cool book--not what I expected at all. Format reminds me of Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi, a linked cycle of stories with recurring images and ideas. Original, intriguing, dark, mysterious, fun. It could easily be for adults. (Crossovers are always my favorite.) Definitely recommend.