Scan barcode
lightreading's review against another edition
3.0
This is a retelling of [b:The Jew Among Thorns|23274001|The Jew Among Thorns|Jacob Grimm|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/book/50x75-a91bf249278a81aabab721ef782c4a74.png|25084467], which I read so I could compare the retelling to the original, and all I have to say is this: I'm so glad this retelling exists!
The original is horrifying, how this incredibly prejudiced, cruel individual - clearly the bad guy - can come across as the hero so easily *cough* like in real life *cough*. It really makes me wonder how many moral lessons I've just accepted from fairytales, how many things I've absorbed and never even questioned.
So I'm extremely glad that this exists. That there is something to make us think of the other side of the story, that there is some type of justice for this character, that there is some form of a happy ending for his family.
The original is horrifying, how this incredibly prejudiced, cruel individual - clearly the bad guy - can come across as the hero so easily *cough* like in real life *cough*. It really makes me wonder how many moral lessons I've just accepted from fairytales, how many things I've absorbed and never even questioned.
So I'm extremely glad that this exists. That there is something to make us think of the other side of the story, that there is some type of justice for this character, that there is some form of a happy ending for his family.
nelsonseye's review against another edition
3.0
Among the Ruins had a fantastic start, a sympathetic lead, and a good ending. I did want more of a sense of vengeance, but I think the author made the right choice. I'm glad I've started reading the Tor shorts, and I hope to read more of this author.
feliciaj's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-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? No
5.0
In 17th-century Germany, Itte loses her father to antisemitic violence and devotes her life to seeking revenge on the town where he was made to dance in thorns and then hanged.
I loved how Veronica Schanoes executed the slow burn of her tale, making space to show how Yakov's death affects his family as they live on without him. It makes the revenge story all the more affecting, and the unexpected compassion Itte finds within herself more poignant.
The writing was brutal, not shying away from centuries of cruelty toward Jews, but also lyrical and utterly compelling. The ending was perfect - not unjust, but tempered with mercy.
One of my absolute favorites of the Tor shorts I've read so far.
I loved how Veronica Schanoes executed the slow burn of her tale, making space to show how Yakov's death affects his family as they live on without him. It makes the revenge story all the more affecting, and the unexpected compassion Itte finds within herself more poignant.
The writing was brutal, not shying away from centuries of cruelty toward Jews, but also lyrical and utterly compelling. The ending was perfect - not unjust, but tempered with mercy.
One of my absolute favorites of the Tor shorts I've read so far.
charlin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
taniabotes's review against another edition
3.0
We owe our children our lives
Much darker than [b:Burning Girls|17910198|Burning Girls|Veronica Schanoes|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1368362956s/17910198.jpg|25095679], but still beautifully written and thought-provoking. I love how she uses other fairy tales in her retelling of a Grimm tale - The Jew in the thorns. Veronica Schanoes is now one of my favorite short story authors. Definitely not a bedtime story for kids though.
ravipotter's review against another edition
4.0
Short but powerful story.
This story follows up on the story 'The Jew Among Thorns' from Grimm's Fairy Tales.
I never understood why the servant had to make the towns people hang the Jew. That servant guy was to blame in that story. But he had powers which he could have used even if he was harmed. But he just uses them to kill a Jew for merry.
This story avenges that guy, and is say he had a rather quick death for his crimes.
This story follows up on the story 'The Jew Among Thorns' from Grimm's Fairy Tales.
I never understood why the servant had to make the towns people hang the Jew. That servant guy was to blame in that story. But he had powers which he could have used even if he was harmed. But he just uses them to kill a Jew for merry.
This story avenges that guy, and is say he had a rather quick death for his crimes.
goldbirdcages's review against another edition
4.0
"I will surround that town with death. I will wrap death around their hearts, and I will rip them apart. "
klinder's review against another edition
5.0
Wow.
I've read a number of upsetting fairy tales in my time, one of the most upsetting being the Brothers Grimm story, "The Jew Among Thorns," which recalls the assault and execution of a crudely stereotypical Jewish man whose death is celebrated as a lesson learned in miserliness. This story takes that old fable and transforms it into something worth reading: a beautiful and exciting tale about faith, endurance, and ultimate vengeance.
Young Itte is left heartbroken and angry by the public murder of her father, a Jewish merchant accosted by a man with a magic fiddle. Following a decade of desolation and poverty, she decides the time has come to track down the man responsible and to make him pay. This journey toward revenge is not only about the pain felt by her own family, but also about the pain felt by the Jewish people at the hands of gentiles during the 15th century. Poetic justice.
A short but moving read. If you are a fan of the retold classic fairy tale than this one is a must.
I've read a number of upsetting fairy tales in my time, one of the most upsetting being the Brothers Grimm story, "The Jew Among Thorns," which recalls the assault and execution of a crudely stereotypical Jewish man whose death is celebrated as a lesson learned in miserliness. This story takes that old fable and transforms it into something worth reading: a beautiful and exciting tale about faith, endurance, and ultimate vengeance.
Young Itte is left heartbroken and angry by the public murder of her father, a Jewish merchant accosted by a man with a magic fiddle. Following a decade of desolation and poverty, she decides the time has come to track down the man responsible and to make him pay. This journey toward revenge is not only about the pain felt by her own family, but also about the pain felt by the Jewish people at the hands of gentiles during the 15th century. Poetic justice.
A short but moving read. If you are a fan of the retold classic fairy tale than this one is a must.
ariereads's review against another edition
4.0
I guess I'd always skipped over the original Grimms tale - but all for the better, it's awful.
This story, however, is not so much awful as awe-inspiring, that is if "awe" is taken to mean "a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear, dread, or wonder."
Yes, it's a fairytale. There's the three gifts gained from kindness to an old woman, fathers on journeys, ill-gained stepmothers,and a thorn-covered town in perpetual slumber .
But (like the very best fairytales) all is not what it seems.
There's a gritty, historical realness to this that makes it almost unreadable in moments, which makes it all the more essential to read. Plus the ending is pure perfection.
This story, however, is not so much awful as awe-inspiring, that is if "awe" is taken to mean "a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear, dread, or wonder."
Yes, it's a fairytale. There's the three gifts gained from kindness to an old woman, fathers on journeys, ill-gained stepmothers,
But (like the very best fairytales) all is not what it seems.
There's a gritty, historical realness to this that makes it almost unreadable in moments, which makes it all the more essential to read. Plus the ending is pure perfection.
keyreads's review against another edition
5.0
The illustration on this cover is amazeballs!! The story only added to the greatness.