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.
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.
writes,
This 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.
writes,
Initially, coming from the maid's point of view wasn't as appreciated, but soon became a clear, enjoyable voice. The book was enjoyed immensely.
