The characterization wasn’t overdone as it can be in some novels (ahem, mine?) that are trying too hard to impress and come up with quirky characters. (I think I’d like to read his Alvin Maker series next, since I’ve heard that also incorporates folklore, though American rather than Russian.)Īnother aspect that I admired about this novel, beyond the obvious research that went into it, was the authenticity of the characters. In the acknowledgements at the end of the novel you can see how many people he turned to for help with the research.
The time-travel back into medieval times was also well-crafted and believable, although I’m in no position to say whether the depictions of ninth-century Ukraine or even post-Soviet Ukraine are accurate or not. I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s priceless! Card did his homework and was extremely creative, for example in his explanation of why Baba Yaga’s house is said to walk on chicken legs. This was my first time reading any of Card’s novels, and I can see why he has become such a big name in sci-fi and fantasy.įor anyone who - like me - loves folklore, especially Russian folklore, this book is a real treat. It has everything - folklore, magic, religion, time travel, wit, buffoonery, romance, drama, and poignancy. The plot summary you can find on Amazon, but basically Enchantment is a modernized and Russianized retelling of Sleeping Beauty.
Friday night I finished reading Enchantment by Orson Scott Card - and I was caught between the pleasure of having read such a great book and the sadness of finally coming to the end of the adventure.
0 kommentar(er)
