A review by drjoannehill
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

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

5.0

Some time in the 1590s (?), Luzia is a maid for a not very rich couple in a shabby house in Madrid; she comes from a Jewish family who have had to hide their faith. And she can sing short tunes that perform a number of 'milagritos' that make life a bit easier - words to fix burnt bread, grow a tree in an instant, or to multiply one bean into many. When this becomes known to her employers, Luzia is invited to a tournament and thrown into the politics and intrigue of the rich and ruthless wannabes of King Phillip's court.

I don't really have much to fault this book on. Maybe a teeny bit on the tension leading to the ending - it could have been a bit more tense, but that could have been me. And maybe a bit more mythology building behind the words of the milagritos and how Luzia's aunt came to know about them and teach them to Luzia.

It would be a shame if this book is only known as a fantasy book by a fantasy author, putting off anyone who thinks they don't like fantasy. It sits among historical gothic/magical realism.
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