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A review by pleasantandminty
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
the use of russian mythology was so interesting, especially the use of everyday creatures (not just the big/dramatic/famous myths and epics). however one of my favourite aspects of the book was the themes & messaging of how (then) modern religion was used to brainwash and proselytise an isolated village (that had been upholding traditions and practices of the old religion) using tools (and taking advantage) of fear, guilt, and hysteria, which then resulted in physical, tangible impacts due to the old religion (and its dependent creatures) being abandoned, demonised, and shunned.
it was especially interesting to read through different character perspectives, as they demonstrated how these ideas can unfold and impact people. for example: vasya and anna are both able to see the creatures (and are subsequently labelled 'witches' by either themselves or others), but while vasya views these beings as creatures that can provide aid, friendship, and protection, that are just as valid living in the village as any of the human locals, as beings she can connect, empathise, and relate to, anna reacts to her sight with shame and terror, turning to religious fervour and becoming a cruel and closeminded person to protect herself from what she sees. anna is taken advantage of by religion and konstantine, not only being drawn in but pushing closer even when it seems that they are attempting to push her away. vasya, while showing some curiosity and even fondness for konstantine, does not hesitate to protect her village and the local beings in the face of his exploitation. konstantine himself demonstrates the ideals and values of colonial imposition, viewing the locals religion as savage and in need of rescuing to become 'pure' (i.e. a good, god-fearing christian).
i really loved the (beginnings or hints?) of romance between vasya and morozko !! was very cute and they made a really enjoyable pairing to read.
it was especially interesting to read through different character perspectives, as they demonstrated how these ideas can unfold and impact people. for example: vasya and anna are both able to see the creatures (and are subsequently labelled 'witches' by either themselves or others), but while vasya views these beings as creatures that can provide aid, friendship, and protection, that are just as valid living in the village as any of the human locals, as beings she can connect, empathise, and relate to, anna reacts to her sight with shame and terror, turning to religious fervour and becoming a cruel and closeminded person to protect herself from what she sees. anna is taken advantage of by religion and konstantine, not only being drawn in but pushing closer even when it seems that they are attempting to push her away. vasya, while showing some curiosity and even fondness for konstantine, does not hesitate to protect her village and the local beings in the face of his exploitation. konstantine himself demonstrates the ideals and values of colonial imposition, viewing the locals religion as savage and in need of rescuing to become 'pure' (i.e. a good, god-fearing christian).
i really loved the (beginnings or hints?) of romance between vasya and morozko !! was very cute and they made a really enjoyable pairing to read.