Reviews

Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

trin's review against another edition

5.0

Just so, so, so satisfying. A twist on old stories that captures the pleasure of having heard them before and the wonder of the first time.

r3damancy's review against another edition

3.0

!!Opt for reading rather than audio format!!

The multiple POVs offer a rich view of the story's intricacies. However, this leads to moments of disorientation, particularly for those listening to the story in audio format. I was pausing to reference chapter numbers to keep track of the shifting perspectives using the wiki.

The book is a reimagining of the tale of Rumpelstiltskin, skillfully interwoven with themes of power, identity, and the bonds of family. Novik's portrayal of Polish-Lithuanian Jewish moneylenders (usury) adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
It envelops you in its atmospheric world—a perfect companion for cozying up with blankets and a warm cup of tea or coffee on a wintry night.

bebop21's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

jcohen19's review against another edition

slow-paced

3.0

maurabee's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

mitskacir's review against another edition

4.0

The beginning of this book fully engrossed me. I loved the fairy tale tone and enjoyed the three main character’s plot lines. However, the story began to drag around the time they all converged and many chapters began to be told by side characters - the voices of each weren’t distinct enough and I often was surprised to find a chapter was narrated by someone other than who I initially thought. Some of the magic became a bit befuddled and Novik’s characteristic inner monologues grew tedious. Overall, I definitely enjoyed the book, but haven’t thought Novik’s books live up to their hype.

lexi11233's review against another edition

3.25

Mixed feelings. The concept, plot, and world are very interesting. But the execution was a bit of a slog at times, it didn't have to be nearly so long. And there were far too many POVs, and often important scenes were viewed through the lense of less important POVs just observing the action. But the main character Miriam was very well written, I almost her POV had been the sole POV even though the story would not have been possible that way. Also listening as a audiobook was often very confusing because there was no demarcation when POVs switched, so you had to guess whose head you were in by context clues. 

dizziedarsanga's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

elizabeth_09's review against another edition

adventurous dark 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? No

4.25

jennileebee's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0