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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Dark and Deepest Red by Anna-Marie McLemore
4.0
Yes, this book was on my radar already, but for some reason I only really registered that this was a red shoes retelling a couple of weeks ago. And that was the moment I decided I just had to have it, since I haven't read a red shoes retelling before. My only challenge? Fitting it into a reading prompt for the N.E.W.T.'s so I actually had a reason to get to it. And luckily I figured one out today and could pick it up!
This story is quite special and unique. It's quite slow, storytelling wise, and it takes a little while before the three different storylines start to connect. I also didn't think there was a very big finale at the end. This book was, more than a lot of other books, about the ride, about the lives of these three people, about their personal journeys. I personally really enjoy those kind of stories, so I was very pleasantly surprised, but I understand it's not for everyone.
However, the atmosphere of this story was absolutely perfect, partly because of the beautiful writing style. It was not an easy read. This book dealt with a lot of heavy themes, most of all with the theme of being different and how far people are willing or forced to go to hide that. Especially the story set in the 16th century is quite raw. So many people having to hide who they love, who they are and so many people have to give up their heritage and beliefs. Sad, but also very realistic.
I also loved how the fairytale elements of the red shoes fairytale were mixed with real historical events. It made the story rich, detailed and it also made it feel very real. But, most of all I loved the characters and how they, each in their own way, learned how to be proud of who they are, of what made them different. Maybe there is no spectacular finale, but the ending, for all of the characters we've grown to love, is still satisfying and really made me smile.
A very special read that really resonated with me. I'm very glad I picked it up, finally!
This story is quite special and unique. It's quite slow, storytelling wise, and it takes a little while before the three different storylines start to connect. I also didn't think there was a very big finale at the end. This book was, more than a lot of other books, about the ride, about the lives of these three people, about their personal journeys. I personally really enjoy those kind of stories, so I was very pleasantly surprised, but I understand it's not for everyone.
However, the atmosphere of this story was absolutely perfect, partly because of the beautiful writing style. It was not an easy read. This book dealt with a lot of heavy themes, most of all with the theme of being different and how far people are willing or forced to go to hide that. Especially the story set in the 16th century is quite raw. So many people having to hide who they love, who they are and so many people have to give up their heritage and beliefs. Sad, but also very realistic.
I also loved how the fairytale elements of the red shoes fairytale were mixed with real historical events. It made the story rich, detailed and it also made it feel very real. But, most of all I loved the characters and how they, each in their own way, learned how to be proud of who they are, of what made them different. Maybe there is no spectacular finale, but the ending, for all of the characters we've grown to love, is still satisfying and really made me smile.
A very special read that really resonated with me. I'm very glad I picked it up, finally!