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chirson's review
4.0
It's a pity it was so short. And I would have loved some notes at the end about the historical events that inspired the story. But the weaving together of a fantastical narrative and true events was excellent and poignant.
spinesinaline's review
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I had had this novella on my TBR for some time before realizing this year that it was available for free on Tor.com! It was so much more devastating and disturbing than I ever anticipated.
It’s almost a familiar tale with this more historical take on Rumpelstiltskin. I don’t know how much of this version comes from actual shared tales but in this version the “Rumpelstiltskin” character is a demon who the family have managed to make deals with in order to keep their descendants safe. Taking these more fantastical aspects, the author also creates a traumatic story of a family experiencing the Jewish pogroms in Europe and their difficulties in immigrating to a new home.
I would not say this was a feel-good story and I’m not sure I would’ve read it if I’d known where it was going but it certainly gave some interesting additions to what I knew of this tale and the more real history.
It’s almost a familiar tale with this more historical take on Rumpelstiltskin. I don’t know how much of this version comes from actual shared tales but in this version the “Rumpelstiltskin” character is a demon who the family have managed to make deals with in order to keep their descendants safe. Taking these more fantastical aspects, the author also creates a traumatic story of a family experiencing the Jewish pogroms in Europe and their difficulties in immigrating to a new home.
I would not say this was a feel-good story and I’m not sure I would’ve read it if I’d known where it was going but it certainly gave some interesting additions to what I knew of this tale and the more real history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Abortion, Death, and Miscarriage
scottishben's review
4.0
This short novella was one of the most loved and appeared on several major awards ballots (not sure if it won anything or not). I liked it but not as much as many other people seem to have done. Had I approached this without any expectations I am sure I would have been pleasantly surprised by an entertaining story told quite well but it did not quite live up to the stellar expectations I had. Still I am feeling generous today so 4 stars.
gabrielavmarques's review
3.0
This short story was surprisingly well-written and atmospheric. It feels eerie, like a nightmarish fairytale.
shirin_mandi's review
5.0
''Deborah - the judge."
''She is sharp enough, but there is no heart in her chest, only a steel gear.''
So she thought to herself
"if I cannot be pretty and if I cannot be kind, I can be powerful, I would be powerful, and make everybody see it.''
Deborah a Jewish girl has been trained by her witch grandmother, and try to save her family in the late nineteenth century in Poland and NEW WORLD.
I find myself heartbreaking as reading this short, fantasy, historical, fairy retelling, wonderful, fascinating, impressive, and terribly sad story.
"In America, they don’t let you burn. My mother told me that.''
BUT I wept while burning there.
Highly Recommended.
''She is sharp enough, but there is no heart in her chest, only a steel gear.''
So she thought to herself
"if I cannot be pretty and if I cannot be kind, I can be powerful, I would be powerful, and make everybody see it.''
Deborah a Jewish girl has been trained by her witch grandmother, and try to save her family in the late nineteenth century in Poland and NEW WORLD.
I find myself heartbreaking as reading this short, fantasy, historical, fairy retelling, wonderful, fascinating, impressive, and terribly sad story.
"In America, they don’t let you burn. My mother told me that.''
BUT I wept while burning there.
Highly Recommended.
suannelaqueur's review
5.0
A short story of Jewish mysticism combining Rumplestiltskin and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. I know. Just read it. Seriously. It's terrific.