Lezersrecensie
A fantasy novel with Estonian folklore.
A fantasy novel with Estonian folklore.
unfortunately I have no background in Eastern European myths or tales soI had to look up quite a few references. Besides Snakish itself and the Frog of the North, I wasn’t sure whether the Swimming Louse was part of genuine folklore or Kivirähk’s imagination. During my search, I also learned that bears seducing women—the so-called “Lothario Bears”—is rooted in traditional folklore.
The story follows Leemut, who lives in the Estonian forests during the Middle Ages. He has the ability to speak Snakishand is able to communicate with and command animals. As time passes, more of the forest people move into villages and convert to Christianity. Leemut doesn’t understand why they leave, though his curiosity grows. Still, he struggles with the changes such a life would bring, and chooses to remain in the forest with his family.
Over the years he becomes more and more isolated. We follow him in strange settings during events that are full of violence. After finally havening lost all his loved ones, he embarks on his journey to find the Frog of the North.
I loved how the author depicts the disappearance of an old culture and the transformations it brings to the world. The contrasts between village life and Leemuts forest life were fantastic. The book also highlights the strength it takes to stay true to your own path rather than simply following others.
I began the book with some doubts, but in the end I really enjoyed it. It’s a story that will stay with me for a long time.
I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a read that’s truly different from the usual.
unfortunately I have no background in Eastern European myths or tales soI had to look up quite a few references. Besides Snakish itself and the Frog of the North, I wasn’t sure whether the Swimming Louse was part of genuine folklore or Kivirähk’s imagination. During my search, I also learned that bears seducing women—the so-called “Lothario Bears”—is rooted in traditional folklore.
The story follows Leemut, who lives in the Estonian forests during the Middle Ages. He has the ability to speak Snakishand is able to communicate with and command animals. As time passes, more of the forest people move into villages and convert to Christianity. Leemut doesn’t understand why they leave, though his curiosity grows. Still, he struggles with the changes such a life would bring, and chooses to remain in the forest with his family.
Over the years he becomes more and more isolated. We follow him in strange settings during events that are full of violence. After finally havening lost all his loved ones, he embarks on his journey to find the Frog of the North.
I loved how the author depicts the disappearance of an old culture and the transformations it brings to the world. The contrasts between village life and Leemuts forest life were fantastic. The book also highlights the strength it takes to stay true to your own path rather than simply following others.
I began the book with some doubts, but in the end I really enjoyed it. It’s a story that will stay with me for a long time.
I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a read that’s truly different from the usual.
1
Reageer op deze recensie
