"Enchantment"By
Orson Scott Card
Enchantment is the story of a Ukraine-born, American grad student who finds himself transported to the ninth century to play the prince in a Russian version of Sleeping Beauty. Early in the story, he muses that in a French or English retelling of the tale, the prince and princess would live happily ever after. But, "only a fool would want to live through the Russian version of any fairy tale."
Although his fears turn out to be warranted, as he and his cursed princess contend with the diabolical witch Baba Yaga--easily Russia's best pre-Khrushchev villain--to save the princess's kingdom, Enchantment is ultimately a sweet story. Mixing magic and modernity, the acclaimed Orson Scott Card (Ender's Game) has woven threads of history, religion, and myth together into a convincing, time-hopping tale that is part love story, part adventure. Enchantment's heroes, "Prince" Ivan and Princess Katerina, must deal with cross-cultural mores, ancient gods, treacherous kinsmen (and fianceés), and ultimately Baba Yaga herself.
I just finished this book and I am still left wondering if I enjoyed it or not. The book, for me, took too long in the character build up, with the ending happeing too fast. The story builds up to this grand war, and it ended as soon as it began. I am glad I read the book as I was able to be "exposed" to a differnet side of Orson Scott Card, but i was left wanting something more. I don't mind a good fantasy book, but I am not sure this one is it. Thank you Eryn for the recommendation to read it though.
ReplyDeleteI finished the book last week. I received this book as a Christmas gift in 2003. I read and loved the book. I guess when you read you brush over some parts. This time I listened to it as I always do with every book and I was shocked with the language, for that I am sorry. I still enjoy this book and like the story line. I love fairy tales especially when they have a new twist on it like this one does.
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ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the book, The end was a suprize that i was not expecting but made it enjoyable.
I'm sorry when the book seem to be in an inapropiate setting I lost the desire to finish the book not knowing if it got worse or stayed the same. I know I'm a prude, but hope you will forgive me. Dad
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