Most of Gardneria still reveres the Black Witch who saved them during the Realm War, but Elloren has been sheltered from that sycophantic admiration. She has also had the advantage of her uncle's care which has shielded her from the worst of a society that degrades minorities.
When Elloren finally gets her wish to attend university to study to be an apothecary, she meets the kind of prejudices her country has instilled. She must acknowledge that those prejudices are reciprocal: those that vilify other cultures are vilified in turn. Being the granddaughter of the Black Witch is admired by Gardnerians, but other cultures despise the connection. It isn't an easy lesson, but Elloren does learn, slowly and painfully, that preconceived ideas about other races works both ways.
Allegories can be preachy, but The Black Witch provides interesting characters and a suspenseful plot that we know will reach beyond discrimination of different races/cultures (Elves, Fae, Lupines, Kelts, and "mixed breeds") to something far worse.
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel, even as I felt it to be a bit didactic, because it so clearly fits our own era of divisiveness and fear of others. As a YA novel, it has both good lessons and an exciting story.
Read in July
NetGalley/Harlequin Teen
YA/Fantasy. May 2, 2017.
I'm not sure I'd make it through this one. (I've never been much of a fan of allegories.)
ReplyDeleteI'm not usually--it really depends on how involved I become with the story. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a Christian allegory, but this is more of a social allegory. Maybe I wouldn't have paid so much attention if I'd read it at a different time, but right now the diversity of fantastic creatures, and the current fear of different races and cultures has such a current feel. Perhaps I wouldn't have read it as allegorical a few years ago. :) I love magic and different fantastical folks and dragons.
DeleteI also have trouble sometimes with allegory. I depends on how it is handled by the author; how heavy handed I find it. But the plot and description of this world sound really fascinating to me.
ReplyDeleteIt is a book that I plan to send to my 15 year-old-granddaughter. Being different doesn't mean you are an enemy. :)
DeleteI'm not sure about this one though I do find the premise interesting. I suppose I'll check it out should the mood for a YA fantasy strikes. :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy fantasy, and I liked the characters. :)
DeleteI don't quite know about this one -- it's not generally the type of thing I would read, but I must admit too the controversy about it kind of coloured my view of it too.
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly a fantasy that is relevant to our current era of fear of others, but it was suspenseful and interesting on its own. :)
DeleteI recently added this one to my wish list as it sounds like something I would like. I am glad you enjoyed it, Jenclair.
ReplyDelete