Post by wordy on Jul 31, 2011 18:50:49 GMT 10
Giantkiller's Bookshelf
by snowkab
The Naming by Alison Croggon
Rating: 4/5
The Naming sets you up for the classic damsel-in-distress story and then turns it around. Maerad, the protagonist, has been a slave since she was a little girl. In the cold and unforgiving landscape, escape is impossible. If the hounds don’t get you, the creatures that come out after dark will. When a mysterious man that no one seems to be able to see shows up, claiming to be able to free her, she leaps at the chance. His life is dangerous though, and it seems that she’s being brought into the midst of it.
The thing about Maerad that makes her stand out from so many other heroines is her flaws. Her fear of men doesn’t keep trump over her want to escape. Her temper gets her in trouble. She isn’t able to use a sword perfectly on the first try and she’s woefully ignorant as you would expect. When she comes into the educated world, she’s embarrassed and ashamed. She’s a girl that most readers can connect with on some level.
The story addresses things like trust and courage; pain and grief; and how people change. It weaves a tale of unlikely heroes and regrets. The characters are touchable and real. You watch them change and (Maerad) grow up. Friendships grow and blossom where you wouldn’t think they’d be possible.
One of the biggest turn-offs in the book is the flowery language. It may not bother everyone, but it can get annoying. “Every table was adorned with spring blossoms arranged in curiously blown blue glass bowls, and there were bowls heaped high with fruit and nuts, and fresh breads of different shapes and colors, some herbed, some white, some rich and dark; and fragrant cheeses and pickles; and sliced meats, some freshly roasted, some smoked, some minced with herbs and spices, and there were pies and tarts and preserves and condiments.” Now, I’m not saying that the whole book is like this, but great sections are. It doesn’t take away from the book at all, it simply creates a more real book.
I suggest this book to anyone who wants a book that means something new each time you read it. It's a definite four out of a five. I certainly loved it.