About Book of a Thousand Days - Book Description
When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren’s refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.
As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren’s two suitors—one welcome, and the other decidedly less so—brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.
With Shannon Hale’s lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.
Book of a Thousand Days Reviews by BookSwim Members
written by BookSwimmer on 05/29/2008Initially, coming from the maid's point of view wasn't as appreciated, but soon became a clear, enjoyable voice. The book was enjoyed immensely.
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written by BookSwimmer on 05/29/2008I liked how unique the plot of the book is. The setting is different, and it's interesting to see how the characters react differently to imprisonment.
But I found the characters a little too unbelievable. The main character, Dashti, is TOO nice. She always looks on the bright side, even when locked in a tower! I like stories with stronger female leads and more believable central characters. Instead, Dashti seems to have a falsely sweet smile on the entire book, and her lady seems to be a faceless weak girl.
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written by BookSwimmer on 05/29/2008I have read every book by this wonderful author, and loved this one in particular. It was set in a very unique culture and time, but was seamlessly written. It has been a long time since I stayed up into the middle of the night to finish a book, but I did for 1000 Days. It is my favorite Shannon Hale re-tell next to the Goose Girl. Very appropriate for girls 12+. There is one "nude" scene, but it is very carefully crafted. It is not vulgar in any way, and it's appropriate/essential for the story. Coming from me, a very careful and judgemental LDS mom and teacher, it says a lot that I would endorse a book with a nude scene so whole-heartedly.
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written by BookSwimmer on 05/29/2008I loved it. A departure for Shannon Hale and really a fresh style from almost all other young adult literature available.
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written by BookSwimmer on 05/29/2008This book is often in my recommendations and seems to have been given a good amount of praise so I thought I would try it. Unfortunately "Book of a Thousand Days" seemed to take 1000 days to read. It was a slow plot with very little action. Some of the scenes, such as the shaman's tale, seem as if they were added at the last minute in a poor attempt at foreshadowing. The only part that was interesting (if predictable) were the last 50 or so.
I do think that young girls with a lower reading level will find this interesting, but those that need a bit more substanence should forgo this one.
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written by sitzwdarcy on 03/31/2008 Took a little effort to get into the book, but afterward, it was a really great read. I would have liked more of an explanation as to why Lady Saren had so many problems. Still, I liked the book very much.
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