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Book Review
Jun. 13th, 2019 08:52 pmThe Sorceress and the Cygnet
by Patricia A. McKillip
This novel revolves around the intertwining stories of Corleu of the Wayfolk (akin to the real-world Roma or Travellers) and Nyx Ro and her family. Corleu and his band of Wayfolk find themselves trapped in an endless swamp, and his attempt at escape brings him face to face with figures of legend and folklore in their attempt to manipulate their stories. This in turn leads Corleu to the house of Nyx Ro, a sorceress and one of the daughters of the Holder of Ro. As she helps him in his quest to free his people, she and her family become entwined in the stories that are unfolding and the dangers they hold.
The Sorceress and the Cygnet is a very subtle and finely wrought novel. The language is as beautiful as ever. McKillip is able to weave a lot into a relatively short book, without anything feeling rushed or glossed over. However, there are a lot more mysteries and allusions than in her other books. Much like the ancient tales, folklore, and legends it evokes, there is a lot that is only hinted at, a lot that remains shrouded in mystery and metaphor. Yet it is not at all unsatisfying. All of this reminded me a lot of Little, Big, which I also enjoyed a lot.
by Patricia A. McKillip
This novel revolves around the intertwining stories of Corleu of the Wayfolk (akin to the real-world Roma or Travellers) and Nyx Ro and her family. Corleu and his band of Wayfolk find themselves trapped in an endless swamp, and his attempt at escape brings him face to face with figures of legend and folklore in their attempt to manipulate their stories. This in turn leads Corleu to the house of Nyx Ro, a sorceress and one of the daughters of the Holder of Ro. As she helps him in his quest to free his people, she and her family become entwined in the stories that are unfolding and the dangers they hold.
The Sorceress and the Cygnet is a very subtle and finely wrought novel. The language is as beautiful as ever. McKillip is able to weave a lot into a relatively short book, without anything feeling rushed or glossed over. However, there are a lot more mysteries and allusions than in her other books. Much like the ancient tales, folklore, and legends it evokes, there is a lot that is only hinted at, a lot that remains shrouded in mystery and metaphor. Yet it is not at all unsatisfying. All of this reminded me a lot of Little, Big, which I also enjoyed a lot.
