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elisereads_ 's review for:
The Wolf and the Woodsman
by Ava Reid
I gave this book 5 stars... which to some would mean that it was perfect. I don't think this is the case, I think sometimes a book can be 5 stars because it was exactly the book you needed at the time, even if it isn't some hugely profound and great literary masterpiece. So after starting this review with somewhat of a backhanded compliment here is what I thought about the book.
Myth/folklore-
I am always a sucker for a good myth and folklore book, especially on a piece of myth I haven't encountered before, such as this. There has been an influx of books on myth mostly focusing on the Classical myths, and I have found that I have quite exhausted my desire to read those. This book, however, introduced me to a new and exciting field of myth and folklore. Many of the reviews rightly criticise the book's use (or misuse) of the myths. The book claims to be inspired by Hungarian and Jewish folklore and history, something I admit I know very little about. Therefore, I can not personally attest to the accuracy of the book, but what I can say is that it introduced me to a new set of myths, ones that I am keen to look more into. I would, therefore, overall, take this as a positive because, ultimately, I enjoyed the myths, and it has caused me to look further into them.
Characters-
I enjoyed the characters and found they helped aid the story well, specifically Évike's recounting of stories to Gáspár (who appeared to be as clueless to them as I was). Once again I recognise the very valid criticisms in the reviews of others about the characters. Such as Évike's meanness and immaturity for a 25-year-old woman. I am in agreement that Évike's character did not read like a 25-year-old woman; in fact, if she didn't restate it throughout the book, it could be easily assumed she was far younger. However, I don't think this is entirely bad writing; she is seen to mature throughout the book, and her attitude often reflects the stereotype that is put on the 'wolf girls' as cruel and uncivilised. She talks about being stuck in the position of not wanting to fulfil this stereotype, but also not wanting to let other characters walk all over her. I am no expert on abuse, but her treatment by the village is certainly unkind; I wonder, perhaps if this was done to highlight the harshness of their situation, that only the strongest survive. Other reviews have criticised her forgiveness of her village and suggest this is not a healthy mindset for victims. Again, I have no expertise on this topic, but I understood it to be the changing of a people in order to move forward. Most of the people groups in this book undergo some form of hardship or issues and also all appear to change somewhat by the end. The ending, therefore, could be interpreted as the people groups coming together despite differences (of which there are many, and this is no bad thing) in order to defeat greater evil and avoid cultural extinction. I would also like to say that I appreciate that the main character isn't just another teenage girl; it is nice to read about an adult female character once in a while. I enjoyed Gáspár but wish we could have learnt more about him and his story. I realise, of course, that this is one book trying to tackle many different issues, and therefore, this is only a small criticism. I thought Nandor was a good villain, he was cruel and unlikable and played the role well. However, crucially to his character, he was charismatic and charming; he did this in order to manipulate the needs of his people for his own political gain.
Faith/politics/relationships-
What I really enjoyed about this book was its commentary on religious and political conflict. With the Yehuli representing the Jewish religion and Patrifaith inspired by the Chrisitian religion, as well as other smaller pagan groups. I thought this book had lots of important notes on interfaith and religious conflict; it ultimately had a fairytale ending of everyone happy, but regardless, it is a challenge in the modern world to be understanding and kind of other cultures and religions. There are many reviews better than mine that handle political and religious discourse of this book but it was definitely one of my favourite bits of the book.
Writing style-
For the most I enjoyed the writing style, it was very descriptive and flowery in language, which I enjoy especially in fantasy books but I can understand those who do not. However I am inclined to agree with the criticism that it often read like a YA, it lacked a depth and maturity. A lot of the phrasing was very repetitive, for example they seemed to blush incessantly!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book despite its flaws and I am happy to give it 5 even if it isn't perfect!
Myth/folklore-
I am always a sucker for a good myth and folklore book, especially on a piece of myth I haven't encountered before, such as this. There has been an influx of books on myth mostly focusing on the Classical myths, and I have found that I have quite exhausted my desire to read those. This book, however, introduced me to a new and exciting field of myth and folklore. Many of the reviews rightly criticise the book's use (or misuse) of the myths. The book claims to be inspired by Hungarian and Jewish folklore and history, something I admit I know very little about. Therefore, I can not personally attest to the accuracy of the book, but what I can say is that it introduced me to a new set of myths, ones that I am keen to look more into. I would, therefore, overall, take this as a positive because, ultimately, I enjoyed the myths, and it has caused me to look further into them.
Characters-
I enjoyed the characters and found they helped aid the story well, specifically Évike's recounting of stories to Gáspár (who appeared to be as clueless to them as I was). Once again I recognise the very valid criticisms in the reviews of others about the characters. Such as Évike's meanness and immaturity for a 25-year-old woman. I am in agreement that Évike's character did not read like a 25-year-old woman; in fact, if she didn't restate it throughout the book, it could be easily assumed she was far younger. However, I don't think this is entirely bad writing; she is seen to mature throughout the book, and her attitude often reflects the stereotype that is put on the 'wolf girls' as cruel and uncivilised. She talks about being stuck in the position of not wanting to fulfil this stereotype, but also not wanting to let other characters walk all over her. I am no expert on abuse, but her treatment by the village is certainly unkind; I wonder, perhaps if this was done to highlight the harshness of their situation, that only the strongest survive. Other reviews have criticised her forgiveness of her village and suggest this is not a healthy mindset for victims. Again, I have no expertise on this topic, but I understood it to be the changing of a people in order to move forward. Most of the people groups in this book undergo some form of hardship or issues and also all appear to change somewhat by the end. The ending, therefore, could be interpreted as the people groups coming together despite differences (of which there are many, and this is no bad thing) in order to defeat greater evil and avoid cultural extinction. I would also like to say that I appreciate that the main character isn't just another teenage girl; it is nice to read about an adult female character once in a while. I enjoyed Gáspár but wish we could have learnt more about him and his story. I realise, of course, that this is one book trying to tackle many different issues, and therefore, this is only a small criticism. I thought Nandor was a good villain, he was cruel and unlikable and played the role well. However, crucially to his character, he was charismatic and charming; he did this in order to manipulate the needs of his people for his own political gain.
Faith/politics/relationships-
What I really enjoyed about this book was its commentary on religious and political conflict. With the Yehuli representing the Jewish religion and Patrifaith inspired by the Chrisitian religion, as well as other smaller pagan groups. I thought this book had lots of important notes on interfaith and religious conflict; it ultimately had a fairytale ending of everyone happy, but regardless, it is a challenge in the modern world to be understanding and kind of other cultures and religions. There are many reviews better than mine that handle political and religious discourse of this book but it was definitely one of my favourite bits of the book.
Writing style-
For the most I enjoyed the writing style, it was very descriptive and flowery in language, which I enjoy especially in fantasy books but I can understand those who do not. However I am inclined to agree with the criticism that it often read like a YA, it lacked a depth and maturity. A lot of the phrasing was very repetitive, for example they seemed to blush incessantly!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book despite its flaws and I am happy to give it 5 even if it isn't perfect!