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A review by bandysbooks
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
Spinning Silver is an epic standalone fantasy that is loosely inspired by the story Rumpelstiltskin. Miryem, the daughter of a debt collector who makes her father's failing business successful, brags that she can turn silver into gold. A Staryk king (fae) hears her brag and takes it to be true. He delivers silver to her and after she continually turns it into gold, he offers her his hand in marriage as a reward. This plunges Miryem, as well as Wanda, a servant, and Irina, the daughter of the duke of Vysnia into a world full of winter, fantasy, and challenges to power.
I was initially intrigued by the idea of a fairytale retelling, but was particularly pleased that while there is clear inspiration this book is very much its own story. You see the Rumpelstiltskin elements in Miryem's ability to collect debts, make smart investments, and metaphorically turn silver to gold. It is through her cleverness and resourcefulness that she builds her fortune.
I also really loved that the three main characters were all female. Miryem, as I mentioned is clever and has a mind for business. Wanda is strong, hard-working, and loyal. Irina cares about the well-being of her world and is cunning. The three of them together quite literally work circles around the men in the book. They are not damsels who need rescuing because they are actively out saving their world.
I also loved the Jewish and Eastern European elements that were mixed into the story. Novik not only acknowledges stereotypes, but then turns them on their heads. It added a really unique vibe to the story.
All in all, if you are a lover of fantasy and fairytales with strong female leads, I can't recommend this book enough. I couldn't put it down.
I was initially intrigued by the idea of a fairytale retelling, but was particularly pleased that while there is clear inspiration this book is very much its own story. You see the Rumpelstiltskin elements in Miryem's ability to collect debts, make smart investments, and metaphorically turn silver to gold. It is through her cleverness and resourcefulness that she builds her fortune.
I also really loved that the three main characters were all female. Miryem, as I mentioned is clever and has a mind for business. Wanda is strong, hard-working, and loyal. Irina cares about the well-being of her world and is cunning. The three of them together quite literally work circles around the men in the book. They are not damsels who need rescuing because they are actively out saving their world.
I also loved the Jewish and Eastern European elements that were mixed into the story. Novik not only acknowledges stereotypes, but then turns them on their heads. It added a really unique vibe to the story.
All in all, if you are a lover of fantasy and fairytales with strong female leads, I can't recommend this book enough. I couldn't put it down.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death