At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn’t mind—she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse’s fairy tales. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honour the spirits of house, yard and forest that protect their homes from evil.
After Vasilisa’s mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa’s new stepmother forbids her family from honouring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows. Soon after, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa’s stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent.
Day 11 see’s us dive into Russian folklore which was new to me when reading this book. I loved the small creatures and character’s of the book and the big plot twists. It was such a fun read and is actually another series (sorry!) for us to enjoy!
The cover of this book is an array of beauty and colour that has serious forest vibes. Drawing on the wide variety of greens and bright red through to orange pops this colourway does not disappoint. The finished colourway has a whimsical earthiness to it and is just a joy to look at!
If you haven’t read this book, I do recommend you give it a go. It divided us in book group (but most books do, don’t ask me about Alan Bennett) but if you love a fairy tale this will be a delightful coming of age addition.
Scroll all the way down for the day 11 pattern spoiler!
Tomorrow will see us half way through the advent and if I am honest I am already pretty sad about it ending!!! See you tomorrow for another book and yarn colourway…
xxx Jess
hook and cwtch 