Spinning Silver: Characters, summary, book review & FAQs

1 Aug

Spinning Silver synopsis/summary.

Spinning Silver draws readers deeper into a glittering realm of fantasy, where the boundary between wonder and terror is thinner than a breath, and safety can be stolen as quickly as a kiss.

Miryem is the daughter and granddaughter of moneylenders, but her father’s inability to collect his debts has left his family on the edge of poverty—until Miryem takes matters into her own hands. Hardening her heart, the young woman sets out to claim what is owed and soon gains a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold.

When an ill-advised boast draws the attention of the king of the Staryk—grim fey creatures who seem more ice than flesh—Miryem’s fate, and that of two kingdoms, will be forever altered. Set an impossible challenge by the nameless king, Miryem unwittingly spins a web that draws in a peasant girl, Wanda, and the unhappy daughter of a local lord who plots to wed his child to the dashing young tsar.

But Tsar Mirnatius is not what he seems. And the secret he hides threatens to consume the lands of humans and Staryk alike. Torn between deadly choices, Miryem and her two unlikely allies embark on a desperate quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power, and love.

Channeling the vibrant heart of myth and fairy tale, Spinning Silver weaves a multilayered, magical tapestry that readers will want to return to again and again.

Spinning Silver characters.

Set against the backdrop of a frost-covered landscape where winter reigns supreme, we follow the intertwining lives of three remarkable main Spinning Silver characters, Miryem, Irina, and Wanda. In total, six characters narrate. They are:

Miryem Mandelstam
Wanda Vitkus
Irina
Stepon Vitkus (Wanda’s brother)
Mirnatius (The Tsar and Irina’s bridegroom)
Magreta (Irina’s nurse)

Here are the rest of the characters we meet in Spinning Silver, ranging from major supporting to minor:

Sergey Vitkus (Wanda’s brother)
Josef Mandelstam (Miryem’s father)
Rakhel Mandelstam (Miryem’s mother)
Aron Moshel (Miryem’s grandfather)
Panova Moshel (Miryem’s grandmother)
Gorek Vitkus (Wanda’s father)
Erdivilas (Irina’s father)
Galina (Irina’s stepmother)
Staryk King
Basia
Kajus
Lukas
Marya
Isaac
Oleg the carter
Varda
Flek
Tsop
Shofer
Rebekah bat Flek ‎
Ilias
Vassilia
Matas
Vladas
Timur Karimov
Prince Gabrielius
Prince Ulrich
Pavys
Edita
Chernobog
Panova Lyudmila
Panova Gavelyte
Algis
Odeta
Silvija (Irina’s biological mother)
Palmira (Galina’s maid)
Prince Casimir
Karolis
Aunt Felitzja
Koshik

Get Spinning Silver here.

Spinning Silver book review.

My rating: ★★★★★
5 stars.

It’s official. Naomi Novik has firmly crystallised her status amongst my favourite fantasy authors with Spinning Silver, offering a distinct reimagining of the classic Rumpelstiltskin tale, with nods to Scheherazade from 1001 Arabian Nights. But it’s more than a fairytale retelling. Naomi Novik takes the age-old tale of Rumpelstiltskin and spins it into historical fiction-fantasy gold. ⬅️ (Not sorry).

The tale is set in Lithvas, a fictional world. Still, it’s inspired by the real history of Lithuanian, Polish, and Russian cultures in a bold exploration of social themes, tackling issues like anti-Semitism and gender discrimination in a confronting and brutally honest portrayal of a world where prejudice and persecution run rampant, and where women are treated as bargaining chips in a game of power and control no matter their socioeconomic status or social standing.

Set against the backdrop of a frost-covered landscape where winter reigns supreme, we follow the intertwining lives of three remarkable women: Miryem, Irina, and Wanda. Each woman possesses a strength and resilience that shines brightly in the face of adversity, making them unforgettable protagonists in a story brimming with heart and courage. And they're no Mary Sues so don't worry.

I think that’s all I want to say really, because I had fun going into this story blind, and I feel it’s enjoyed best that way. There are many characters (including six narrative POVS), many layers, and no two-dimensional cardboard cut-out villain caricatures here, a testament to Novik’s storytelling prowess. Historical fiction and fairytale retelling enthusiasts take note; this one surprised me many times over in a good way, and left me completely satisfied! Best read with a cosy blanket and a hot beverage.

View my Spinning Silver book review on GoodReads here.

FAQs.

🚨 Please be mindful that continuing reading may mildly spoil some of the Spinning Silver book for you. Continue at your own risk! 🚨

What are the trigger warnings for Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik?

Anti-semitism.
Domestic abuse.
Murder.
Graphic physical child abuse.
Rape & sexual assault discussed.
Alcohol abuse.
Death of a parent.
Death of a child.
Death of a sibling.
Death of an animal (horse).

Is Spinning Silver the sequel to Uprooted?

No, Spinning Silver is a standalone fantasy fairytale reimagining. It’s not a sequel to Uprooted.

Is Spinning Silver part of a series?

No, Spinning Silver is a standalone fantasy novel and can be read by itself.

Does Spinning Silver have romance?

There is minimal romance in Spinning Silver and it is not a central part of the plot.

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