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christy_with_a_k 's review for:
The Maiden and Her Monster
by Maddie Martinez
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I want to start this review with the caveat that I did not grow up in any organized religion and have limited knowledge of the workings of major religious practices within Judaism and Catholicism.
With that being said, The Maiden and her Monster was a beautiful story steeped in religious symbolism and I felt Maddie Martinez’ faith and love for her culture on every page. She wrote beautiful tributes to her beliefs and family in her acknowledgments and authors note, but that was not needed to see the depth of her investment in telling the Jewish folktale of the golem in her own way.
The story of Malka’s resilience and faith and Nimrah’s commitment to her people despite never feeling good enough was heartbreaking and relatable in every way. The persecution from the Ozmini church felt very close to home and I was able to draw a lot from my knowledge of history over religion to relate.
Admittedly, the magic system did not make much sense to me and there were times I had more questions than answers, but then a character would share an ancient story in an attempt to explain their circumstance and I would suddenly remember that is exactly what I am doing— absorbing a fairytale of sorts. It is here to teach a lesson, impart wisdom and hope. This is not your typical fantasy book, this is deeper, an exploration of human resilience and the power of loving your people and your higher power more than you could ever hate those who are against you. And that steadfast love can prevail in the end.
With that being said, The Maiden and her Monster was a beautiful story steeped in religious symbolism and I felt Maddie Martinez’ faith and love for her culture on every page. She wrote beautiful tributes to her beliefs and family in her acknowledgments and authors note, but that was not needed to see the depth of her investment in telling the Jewish folktale of the golem in her own way.
The story of Malka’s resilience and faith and Nimrah’s commitment to her people despite never feeling good enough was heartbreaking and relatable in every way. The persecution from the Ozmini church felt very close to home and I was able to draw a lot from my knowledge of history over religion to relate.
Admittedly, the magic system did not make much sense to me and there were times I had more questions than answers, but then a character would share an ancient story in an attempt to explain their circumstance and I would suddenly remember that is exactly what I am doing— absorbing a fairytale of sorts. It is here to teach a lesson, impart wisdom and hope. This is not your typical fantasy book, this is deeper, an exploration of human resilience and the power of loving your people and your higher power more than you could ever hate those who are against you. And that steadfast love can prevail in the end.