Confession: I read Katherine Arden's The Bear and the Nightingale in one sitting. It's just over 300 pages and every single page was a joy to read.
The Bear and the Nightingale reads like a very detailed fairy tale. The story takes place in the frozen wilderness of medieval Russia - before, in fact, the area is known as Russia. The Petrovich family lives in a small community where life is hard but not bitter. The youngest daughter, Vasilisa, is the center of most of the action.
Vasilisa was brought into the world at great cost because her mother knew that she would inherit the talents of her mysterious, magical grandmother. As a child, Vasilisa haunts the woods like a wild creature. She can see the traditional spirits that inhabit her world and speak to them. Unfortunately, a pious new stepmother and a glory-seeking priest seek to rid Vasilisa's village of their pagan ways. Without observance, the old spirits weaken and allow darker entities to take hold, threatening everything Vasilisa knows and loves.
This story is dark and heartbreaking at times and so rich with details and well-written characters, you never want it to end. I got so into the book that I forgot that it was summer outside and almost reminded my husband to wear a coat! I am glad to see that Katherine Arden is writing a trilogy for this amazing world, I can't wait to dive back in.
** Hey guys, I read a lot and I read in a bunch of different genres so I was thinking about doing more book reviews. Some upcoming reviews would include: graphic novels, Neil Gaiman, kids books, autobiographies, Seanan McGuire, books about writing, self-help books, and Nnedi Okorafor. If you'd like to read more reviews or if you have recommendations, please let me know in the comments!
