Rating 4.5 stars. This story enchanted me, like all good fairy-tales should. It’s a modern, grown-up take on traditional fairy-tales from Eastern and Central Europe. Modern ideas of self-determination and feminism are woven in with timeless values on friendship, family, and affinity for the places we call home. The language is rich and the prose is beautiful, though can be heavy-handed in places.
Throughout Uprooted I really enjoyed Agnieszka’s agency and self determination, and I think those qualities make her a really interesting role model that I would be keen for older teens to be exposed to. One of my favourite quotes captures that sentiment perfectly.
I took a deep breath and said, “There’s nothing wrong with the name I already have.”
Her decision to stand up for what felt right for her, and to refuse to be labelled by others gives momentum to her growing self belief, and felt like a powerful moment of leadership, without any show of aggression or guidance from others. It was the kind of moment that I wish I saw more often in fantasy novels.
Another of my favourite quotes in Uprooted, sums up all the things I liked about the mysterious ‘Dragon’ who looms in this story as a possible antagonist:
“His name tasted of fire and wings, of curling smoke, of subtlety and strength and the rasping whisper of scales. He eyed me and said stiffly, “Don’t land yourself into a boiling-pot, and as difficult as you may find it, try and present a respectable appearance.”
I really enjoyed the interplay between the Dragon’s generally ‘good’ moral code and his abrasive personality. I thought that Novik presented him well, and didn’t fall into the trap of having him instantly turn out to be the hero of the story who was simply misunderstood and needed a woman’s touch to revive him (a Beauty & the Beast moment for example). He is never the hero of the story as whole, or within it, the hero of Agnieszka’s story. Though he certainly supports her along the way, in the end it is her empathy that gives her the ability to rise to challenges, not her connection to the Dragon. It was refreshing to have a character in a fantasy novel who was unapologetically obnoxious at times, but who the protagonist didn’t feelt he need to try and ‘fix’.
Though there were many beautiful passages, snide comments that made me smile, and charming descriptions, my favourite quote was a reflection on the futility of war. The whole section was heartbreaking to read, and definitely increased my respect for this book, in drawing attention to something that many fantasy stories would simply move past as a sad but necessary means to an end. Speaking of the soldiers she has met, Agnieszka says:
“…they all had stories… They weren’t alone in the world, mattering to no one but themselves. It seemed utterly wrong to treat them like pennies in a purse.”
It’s hard to find a YA or even Adult fantasy novel that doesn’t have some element of a love story, after-all as humans we crave connection is various different ways. But to me Uprooted was more focused on friendship rather than romantic love. Agnieszka’s friendship with Kasia is challenged again and again throughout the novel, and yet it only grows deeper despite the trails they face both apart and together. This was one of the great treasures of this book, a beautiful female friendship that felt so real.
If you are looking for a fair tale read filled with complex relationships and beautiful language then Uprooted is the story for you. It’s rare to find a stand-alone fantasy novel these days, and this is a rare gem that tells the kind of story you’ll be begging your friends to read too so you can discuss it.
Suitable for ages 16 and up because of some adult themes and scenes.
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Had to come and review the whole thing after how much you are raving about the book. Great review. *adds to TBR*