Read for: YA Challenge
I remember reading that one particular blogger was very disappointed by this book as the cover suggested to them that it contained a story about samurai. Although perhaps not disappointed, I too thought this book was about samurai until I read Rhinoa's review . However I was undeterred and read it regardless, as I have long enjoyed Sedgewick's elegant style of writing.
My Swordhand Is Singing is an imaginative spin on the vampire/zombie myth based on Eastern European folklore and legend. Set in the forests of seventeeth century Romania, the story revolves around two nomadic woodcutters, the young Peter and his troubled father Tomas. After settling somewhat outside a small village, Peter begins to make a life for himself, only to discover something sinister at work. The dead are rising and Peter finds himself, his father and his beloved Agnes in grave (groan) danger, but some secrets may be much closer to home.
I really enjoyed this story and the legends behind it. Sedgewick is masterful at suspense, unnerving the reader at every turn. This is far from the over the top horror I have seen of late, with Sedgewick invoking the same amount of menace and chill, with the mimimal amount of prose. Having said that, I did find it hard to really care much about the characters. Perhaps Sedgewick was too minimalistic and left some of his characters undeveloped, and thus did not win over this particular reader. Don't get me wrong, I would heartily recommend this story to any fan of horror, suspense or vampire literature, but perhaps the most lasting impression for me was a desire to know more about the legends that inspired this story, rather than the story itself.
An enjoyable read, though perhaps not one that will stick in the mind for long.
Other blog reviews:
Rhinoa's Ramblings
(have you reviewed this book?)
8 comments:
Hmm it's a shame you didn't like this as much as I did. I know what you mean about wanting to look up the legends though.
I'll keep this one in mine. I've read another of his books in the past and really enjoyed it. I generally don't enjoy more modern vampire stories, however I do enjoy the kind that you describe this book having, with old legends and some history to them. And who doesn't like zombies?!?! :)
Rhinoa - I think I was expecting the characters to be developed a little more, but in such a short story they seemed a little 2-dimensional. I did enjoy it though.
Carl - This story is certainly an homage to older legends rather than a modern story. There are no machine guns in malls here!
I returned this to the library unread. I really must get it out again.
I quite like the sound of this, even with its flaws. I've heard good things about Sedgewick, especially The Book of Dead Days.
Kailana - I do that a lot..Eyes bigger than time allows!
Nymeth - I really like Sedgewick's writing, especially The Book of Dead Days, and I think it would be right up your street! Hope you enjoy it.
uhh I forgot I had these in my tbr pile! I could definitely use it for the RIP challenge!
it does sounds good even with your minor criticism, I'm curious to know what I'll think of it:)
Valentina - I'll keep my eye out for your review!
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