End of the Winternight Trilogy, completing Vasya’s evolution from country village girl to a major figure in Russian folktale. What grounds her as a character is that she never loses track of the things that matter to her – her family, her people, her country – even as her powers and her view of the world evolves. As with the other two books in the series, absolutely beautiful writing.
Tag: author-katherine arden
The Girl in the Tower, by Katherine Arden
Sequel to The Bear and the Nightingale, another adaptation of Russian fairy tales with acknowledgement of societal gender roles and limitations woven in, as well as the continuing tension between folk beliefs and Christianity. As in the previous book, the descriptive language is absolutely gorgeous; the author paints really vivid pictures of both landscapes and characters.
The Bear and the Nightingale, by Katherine Arden
I should have read this book in the winter; the imagery of bone-chilling cold and starving frost is really well done. it’s set in medieval Russia, with familiar characters from Russian fairy tales. There’s just enough of familiar politics and religion to set the scene, all of the characters are beautifully put together, and the pacing of the story is excellent. Also, I liked how heroine Vasilisa’s efforts to save her village were complicated not only by evil spirits, but also by traditional gender roles and family dynamics. Gorgeous writing, wonderful story.