Before I get to reviewing Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver, I thought I’d share an anecdote.
When I was in middle school, our chorus teacher asked me to try out for the state choir. Part of this, I’m sure, was just because my voice had changed early and I could produce a strong baritone/bass which for that age group is always in demand. I auditioned well and they asked me to join, but when I looked at their winter repertoire I hesitated. There were a lot of beautiful songs on that list, but as my eye trailed downwards something felt wrong.
“Sir,” I said, “We’re singing twenty songs?”
The choir leader nodded.
“But fifteen of them are Christmas songs and the other five are secular.”
He blinked at me. I took a deep nervous breath, willing him to understand. It’s a bit hard, after all, for a twelve year old to confront an adult. It’s even harder when that grown up has the power to accept or reject you. I remember waiting for a full musical rest for the light bulb to go off behind his eyes. It didn’t. So, I shuffled backwards a bit and continued.
“I’m Jewish. Couldn’t there be at least one song on the list for me?”” I blurted and then he was the one to look away.
I don’t think he meant any harm. I really don’t. I really think he just picked a selection of beautiful winter music and there are many truly lovely Christmas songs. I know them. I enjoy singing them. It’s fun to see the faces light up in the audience or in the street when they hear a cherished tune.
Upon reading Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver, I feel included. I feel like I got a song.
Novik has created a Jewish fantasy story: One where the traditions and Jewish people are respected and not painted in stereotypes; one where the protagonist… the hero of the story is Jewish; one where the culture permeates the novel and the hero’s thinking, but best of all the story is not about the Jewish plight, the Jewish tragedy, or Jewish suffering. It’s just a story of people that happens to include a kind Jewish family.
The characters are wonderfully rendered, each distinct, with their own stakes, motivations, and drives. There are three split narratives that weave together beautifully. It preys a bit on the Rapunzel fairy tale, but uses it mainly as a springboard, before becoming a story of winter elves, fire demons, czars, money lenders, marriage, promises, debts, and so much more.
The prose is elegant and written in a way that feels both intimate and familiar, as if this was an old tale that has been passed down many generations. The details are gauzy and sharp in turn. If there’s any downside, it’s that the fairy tale nature can lead to the mind wandering a bit and a little bit of daydreaming while reading.
Still, it’s a really lovely beautiful tale. More importantly, on a shelf full of beautiful stories… I feel I have one that was written for me, but like all the best songs, it’s best when shared and harmonized and given to be song by every kind of voice.
