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muletrain68 's review for:
The Summer War
by Naomi Novik
I appreciate the opportunity to review an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Summer War by Naomi Novik. I was provided a free review copy on NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
I understand this to be a reimagining of a fairy tale, but I am not familiar with which fairy tale that might be. The Summer War follows the actions of a noble family, struggling in the midst of a protracted war with a fairy realm. The story is told from the perspective of the daughter, Celia. Celia, in a fit of anger with her elder brother, accidently curses him, as he takes his leave of his family over a dispute with their father. The book goes on to talk about how the family struggles in the aftermath of the cursing, while coping with conflict within the kingdom and with the fairy folk with whom they were at war.
The book, at just under 150 pages, reads more like a long story than a short book. Ms. Novik develops a wonderful cast of characters, for whom it is easy to feel empathy as the story develops. The book is an easy read to complete in a day, and is not overly complex, so it can easily be enjoyed by youth or those looking for a quick, indulgent book for a beach or flight read. Despite being a reworking of a fairy tale, the plot was not predictable, and I was surprised by the eventual outcome. While I am not particularly drawn to stories with an LGBTQ+ storyline or character, there are folks looking for stories inclusive of such themes. There is definitely an LGBTQ+ character present, in a very positive light, and the book directly faces the theme of overcoming both social and familial conflict over sexual preferences and how different social groups may differ in their level of acceptance of such preferences. I think Ms. Novik did an incredible job on crafting an enjoyable story that incorporates such themes, with characters set in such a positive light. A reader need not be a specific LGBTQ+ ally to enjoy the story, but for those seeking stories with such themes and how such individuals can overcome familial and societal bias over such issues, this book should be the top of the "To Be Read" pile.
I have been a long-time fan of Naomi Novik and this book did not disappoint, except that I finished it in a day. I guess I'll just have to reread it while I wait for her next book.
I understand this to be a reimagining of a fairy tale, but I am not familiar with which fairy tale that might be. The Summer War follows the actions of a noble family, struggling in the midst of a protracted war with a fairy realm. The story is told from the perspective of the daughter, Celia. Celia, in a fit of anger with her elder brother, accidently curses him, as he takes his leave of his family over a dispute with their father. The book goes on to talk about how the family struggles in the aftermath of the cursing, while coping with conflict within the kingdom and with the fairy folk with whom they were at war.
The book, at just under 150 pages, reads more like a long story than a short book. Ms. Novik develops a wonderful cast of characters, for whom it is easy to feel empathy as the story develops. The book is an easy read to complete in a day, and is not overly complex, so it can easily be enjoyed by youth or those looking for a quick, indulgent book for a beach or flight read. Despite being a reworking of a fairy tale, the plot was not predictable, and I was surprised by the eventual outcome. While I am not particularly drawn to stories with an LGBTQ+ storyline or character, there are folks looking for stories inclusive of such themes. There is definitely an LGBTQ+ character present, in a very positive light, and the book directly faces the theme of overcoming both social and familial conflict over sexual preferences and how different social groups may differ in their level of acceptance of such preferences. I think Ms. Novik did an incredible job on crafting an enjoyable story that incorporates such themes, with characters set in such a positive light. A reader need not be a specific LGBTQ+ ally to enjoy the story, but for those seeking stories with such themes and how such individuals can overcome familial and societal bias over such issues, this book should be the top of the "To Be Read" pile.
I have been a long-time fan of Naomi Novik and this book did not disappoint, except that I finished it in a day. I guess I'll just have to reread it while I wait for her next book.