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Maresi came to the Red Abbey when she was thirteen, in the Hunger Winter. Before then, she had only heard rumours of its existence in secret folk tales. In a world where girls aren't allowed to learn or do as they please, an island inhabited solely by women sounded like a fantasy. But now Maresi is here, and she knows it is real. She is safe.
Then one day Jai—tangled fair hair, clothes stiff with dirt, scars on her back—arrives on a ship. She has fled to the island to escape terrible danger and unimaginable cruelty. And the men who hurt her will stop at nothing to find her.
Now the women and girls of the Red Abbey must use all their powers and ancient knowledge to combat the forces that wish to destroy them. And Maresi, haunted by her own nightmares, must confront her very deepest, darkest fears.
A story of friendship and survival, magic and wonder, beauty and terror, Maresi will grip you and hold you spellbound.
Then one day Jai—tangled fair hair, clothes stiff with dirt, scars on her back—arrives on a ship. She has fled to the island to escape terrible danger and unimaginable cruelty. And the men who hurt her will stop at nothing to find her.
Now the women and girls of the Red Abbey must use all their powers and ancient knowledge to combat the forces that wish to destroy them. And Maresi, haunted by her own nightmares, must confront her very deepest, darkest fears.
A story of friendship and survival, magic and wonder, beauty and terror, Maresi will grip you and hold you spellbound.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
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10325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,358 reviews
December 12, 2024
Pretty dark for YA fantasy (Margo Lanagan dark), but refreshingly different.
Excellent import from Finland and a lovely translation.
Excellent import from Finland and a lovely translation.
May 9, 2021
Kolejna popularna książka od której się odbiłam :/ Wszystko czarne albo białe. Żadnych odcieni szarości. Chwilami czułam się niezręcznie, gdy to czytałam. Chodzi o to, że całe zło tego świata zostało przypisane mężczyznom. Nie na tym polega feminizm. Nie wiem dlaczego ta książka uchodzi za feministyczną. Maresi nie pokazuje siły kobiet a ich strach i bezradność.
April 20, 2023
4.75
Jeju no... to było dobre. Bardzo dobre.
Karo @come.book miała rację, że się zakocham
Jeju no... to było dobre. Bardzo dobre.
Karo @come.book miała rację, że się zakocham
March 8, 2021
Ta książka napełniła moją duszę spokojem, pomimo niektórych wydarzeń mających miejsce w trakcie - bo w ogólnym rozrachunku jest to historia pełna siostrzanej miłości i kobiecej siły. Trafiła w czułą strunę w moim sercu, nawet jeśli nie była wybitną książką. Sprawiła mi radość, wywołała wiele emocji - złość, irytację, czułość czy wzruszenie.
A przecież o to właśnie chodzi, prawda?
A przecież o to właśnie chodzi, prawda?
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February 6, 2022“She does not know how to feel safe.” As I said it I knew it was true. “We will have to teach her how.”
So What’s It About?
Maresi came to the Red Abbey when she was thirteen, in the Hunger Winter. Before then, she had only heard rumours of its existence in secret folk tales. In a world where girls aren't allowed to learn or do as they please, an island inhabited solely by women sounded like a fantasy. But now Maresi is here, and she knows it is real. She is safe.
Then one day Jai tangled fair hair, clothes stiff with dirt, scars on her back arrives on a ship. She has fled to the island to escape terrible danger and unimaginable cruelty. And the men who hurt her will stop at nothing to find her.
Now the women and girls of the Red Abbey must use all their powers and ancient knowledge to combat the forces that wish to destroy them. And Maresi, haunted by her own nightmares, must confront her very deepest, darkest fears.
What I Thought
Exported from Finland, Maresi is a wonderfully fresh and different take on YA fantasy. It is told in spare, elegant language and a great deal of its plot involves the simple, quiet day-to-day life of the girls in the Red Abbey. This ended up being great for me, because my favorite parts of the book were these descriptions - the food, the beauty of the island, the comfort of the daily routines, the library full of books, the snails, and all of the sisters and novices. You truly feel the peace and tranquility of the Red Abbey and what a special place it is.
The book deals elegantly with the newcomer Jai’s inner turmoil and gradual unfurling as she adapts to life on the island. It rings very true that she latches on to Maresi but doesn’t truly know how to interact with her and lashes out at her because she identifies her as someone safe. Their relationship is so good, overall, and I also appreciate that she ends up supporting Maresi when she is struggling later.
I love that one of the central ideas of the book is that knowledge is power, especially to those who are denied it because of oppression. The Red Abbey is technically a refuge for women, but they help anyone who is persecuted, including men; this is one point of slight nuance in the book’s take on gender, which I did find to be a touch reductive in other areas. I think the book leans into the territory of reverencing Women’s Mystical Power as something inherent to women that makes them innately different from men - this, of course, makes me think of Tehanu and Le Guin’s take-down of that particular trope.
The villains are also cartoonishly evil pedophilic rapists who get washed away in a flood of blood. There is one man who isn’t bad and he turns out to be gay; I think this scene functions to show how patriarchy traps men (especially men who somehow fail to live up to a perfect masculine standard) as well as women. It’s also really telling that Jai’s sister was perfectly compliant with her land’s oppressive standards for women but was killed by her father anyways for an imagined transgression - her compliance didn’t save her in the end, and those who rebel and those who comply both suffer under patriarchy. Overall, though, I could have used a bit more nuance.
This is a powerful and unique little book, and I’m sold on finishing the trilogy. The next book in the series, Naondel, looks to be a prequel that focuses on the women who established the Red Abbey, and I’m really looking forward to reading it.
So What’s It About?
Maresi came to the Red Abbey when she was thirteen, in the Hunger Winter. Before then, she had only heard rumours of its existence in secret folk tales. In a world where girls aren't allowed to learn or do as they please, an island inhabited solely by women sounded like a fantasy. But now Maresi is here, and she knows it is real. She is safe.
Then one day Jai tangled fair hair, clothes stiff with dirt, scars on her back arrives on a ship. She has fled to the island to escape terrible danger and unimaginable cruelty. And the men who hurt her will stop at nothing to find her.
Now the women and girls of the Red Abbey must use all their powers and ancient knowledge to combat the forces that wish to destroy them. And Maresi, haunted by her own nightmares, must confront her very deepest, darkest fears.
What I Thought
Exported from Finland, Maresi is a wonderfully fresh and different take on YA fantasy. It is told in spare, elegant language and a great deal of its plot involves the simple, quiet day-to-day life of the girls in the Red Abbey. This ended up being great for me, because my favorite parts of the book were these descriptions - the food, the beauty of the island, the comfort of the daily routines, the library full of books, the snails, and all of the sisters and novices. You truly feel the peace and tranquility of the Red Abbey and what a special place it is.
The book deals elegantly with the newcomer Jai’s inner turmoil and gradual unfurling as she adapts to life on the island. It rings very true that she latches on to Maresi but doesn’t truly know how to interact with her and lashes out at her because she identifies her as someone safe. Their relationship is so good, overall, and I also appreciate that she ends up supporting Maresi when she is struggling later.
I love that one of the central ideas of the book is that knowledge is power, especially to those who are denied it because of oppression. The Red Abbey is technically a refuge for women, but they help anyone who is persecuted, including men; this is one point of slight nuance in the book’s take on gender, which I did find to be a touch reductive in other areas. I think the book leans into the territory of reverencing Women’s Mystical Power as something inherent to women that makes them innately different from men - this, of course, makes me think of Tehanu and Le Guin’s take-down of that particular trope.
The villains are also cartoonishly evil pedophilic rapists who get washed away in a flood of blood. There is one man who isn’t bad and he turns out to be gay; I think this scene functions to show how patriarchy traps men (especially men who somehow fail to live up to a perfect masculine standard) as well as women. It’s also really telling that Jai’s sister was perfectly compliant with her land’s oppressive standards for women but was killed by her father anyways for an imagined transgression - her compliance didn’t save her in the end, and those who rebel and those who comply both suffer under patriarchy. Overall, though, I could have used a bit more nuance.
This is a powerful and unique little book, and I’m sold on finishing the trilogy. The next book in the series, Naondel, looks to be a prequel that focuses on the women who established the Red Abbey, and I’m really looking forward to reading it.
January 11, 2017
A novice at an island Abbey finds her destiny when a new arrival brings trouble in her wake.
Maresi is a novice at the Red Abbey on the island of Menos where men are forbidden and where the Sisterhood reveres the First Mother. Maresi is one of the older novices and will soon move onto what comes after. Then Jai, a young girl with an horrific past arrives and Maresi takes her under her wing. But Maresi has issues from her own past as well and it looks like there's going to be a collision between Maresi's greatest fears and Jai's very real pursuers.
I was captivated by the rich detail of the Red Abbey including vivid descriptions of the physical aspects of the island, Maresi's compassionate appreciation of the Sisters and all the little details about the First Mother's religion. The first half is a little slow because it gives much of this detail and sets up Maresi's choices, which all pay off beautifully as the Abbey comes under attack.
This seems to be a polarizing book from looking around the other reviews. All I can say is that personally this one was perfect and wonderful if harrowing in places. Highly recommended.
Maresi is a novice at the Red Abbey on the island of Menos where men are forbidden and where the Sisterhood reveres the First Mother. Maresi is one of the older novices and will soon move onto what comes after. Then Jai, a young girl with an horrific past arrives and Maresi takes her under her wing. But Maresi has issues from her own past as well and it looks like there's going to be a collision between Maresi's greatest fears and Jai's very real pursuers.
I was captivated by the rich detail of the Red Abbey including vivid descriptions of the physical aspects of the island, Maresi's compassionate appreciation of the Sisters and all the little details about the First Mother's religion. The first half is a little slow because it gives much of this detail and sets up Maresi's choices, which all pay off beautifully as the Abbey comes under attack.
This seems to be a polarizing book from looking around the other reviews. All I can say is that personally this one was perfect and wonderful if harrowing in places. Highly recommended.
March 17, 2021
Zacznijmy od tego,że przed odczytaniem końcówki tej historii byłam gotowa dać 3/5,ale koniec totalnie zepsuł książkę,jak dla mnie. Uznałam,że sprawiedliwą oceną będzie 2,5/5 i tyle daję.
Sam zamysł był super. Klasztor i boginie przypominały mi trochę bóstwa z „Dzieci Oriszy”. Na początku nie widziałam ani elementu fantastycznego w tej historii,ani wątku feministycznego,o którym wszyscy tak trąbią. Jedyny elementem magicznym jest tutaj obecność bogiń. Kiedy nareszcie mogłam zobaczyć wątek feministyczny w akcji,faktycznie nie był pretensjonalny. Jednak później się taki stał i przeszedł na inny tor. Nazywanie dwunasto- albo trzynastolatek dziwkami jest irracjonalne! Rozwiązanie też jakoś szczególnie mi się nie spodobało. Mam wrażenie,że cała książka była poświęcona Jai(jakkolwiek się to pisze). Była o tym,jak Maresi próbuje zdobyć jej przyjaźń,jak próbuje ją do siebie i klasztoru przekonać. Jeśli chodzi o główną bohaterkę to przypominała mi momentami Anię z Zielonego Wzgórza-wypowiadała się bardzo dorośle,ZBYT dorośle jak na swój wiek,ale u Ani mi to nie wadziło,wręcz przeciwnie,dobrze się o niej czytało. Nie polubiłam większości bohaterek,jedynie Heo(?)wydała się sympatyczna. Sama historia klasztoru,o której tak często autorka wspomina w książce,nie jest zupełnie poruszona. Mamy tylko nakreślone,jak tam żyją,trafiają i po macoszemu mamy opisane jak powstał. Czytało się szybko,ale nie przyjemnie. Nie trafiła do mnie osobiście,nie trafiła do mnie w ogóle. Jak w „Gdyby Ocean Nosił Twoje Imię” potrafiłam zrozumieć jej fenomen i co ludzie w niej widzą,tak tutaj nie potrafię. Wypadła bardzo słabo na tle innych,które miały podobny zamysł.
Sam zamysł był super. Klasztor i boginie przypominały mi trochę bóstwa z „Dzieci Oriszy”. Na początku nie widziałam ani elementu fantastycznego w tej historii,ani wątku feministycznego,o którym wszyscy tak trąbią. Jedyny elementem magicznym jest tutaj obecność bogiń. Kiedy nareszcie mogłam zobaczyć wątek feministyczny w akcji,faktycznie nie był pretensjonalny. Jednak później się taki stał i przeszedł na inny tor. Nazywanie dwunasto- albo trzynastolatek dziwkami jest irracjonalne! Rozwiązanie też jakoś szczególnie mi się nie spodobało. Mam wrażenie,że cała książka była poświęcona Jai(jakkolwiek się to pisze). Była o tym,jak Maresi próbuje zdobyć jej przyjaźń,jak próbuje ją do siebie i klasztoru przekonać. Jeśli chodzi o główną bohaterkę to przypominała mi momentami Anię z Zielonego Wzgórza-wypowiadała się bardzo dorośle,ZBYT dorośle jak na swój wiek,ale u Ani mi to nie wadziło,wręcz przeciwnie,dobrze się o niej czytało. Nie polubiłam większości bohaterek,jedynie Heo(?)wydała się sympatyczna. Sama historia klasztoru,o której tak często autorka wspomina w książce,nie jest zupełnie poruszona. Mamy tylko nakreślone,jak tam żyją,trafiają i po macoszemu mamy opisane jak powstał. Czytało się szybko,ale nie przyjemnie. Nie trafiła do mnie osobiście,nie trafiła do mnie w ogóle. Jak w „Gdyby Ocean Nosił Twoje Imię” potrafiłam zrozumieć jej fenomen i co ludzie w niej widzą,tak tutaj nie potrafię. Wypadła bardzo słabo na tle innych,które miały podobny zamysł.
February 5, 2017
4.5 stars
This book starts off slow and descriptive, but then becomes utterly harrowing. I loved the clear and innocent voice of Maresi, who narrates the story, giving it a highly personal feel.
It is an emotionally stirring book, which highlights the fears and strengths of the women in the story, reminding me in its feel of parts of The Mists of Avalon. Highly recommended.
This book starts off slow and descriptive, but then becomes utterly harrowing. I loved the clear and innocent voice of Maresi, who narrates the story, giving it a highly personal feel.
It is an emotionally stirring book, which highlights the fears and strengths of the women in the story, reminding me in its feel of parts of The Mists of Avalon. Highly recommended.
April 19, 2017
3.5 stars
I don't read much YA but I felt like I needed a bit of a palate cleanser and I loved the premise of this book. For me, it wasn't quite the "thrilling, suspenseful and gloriously feminist" book that the blurb promised, but it was a diverting enough read.
I enjoyed the mythology of the Mother/Maiden/Crone and the descriptions of abbey life, as well as the emphasis on female friendship and co-operation, but I felt that there wasn't really quite enough character development. The language felt simplistic, more like something written for pre-teens although the themes seemed aimed at a slightly older audience. I am not sure if this was the translation or the original writing, but it did jar a little. I appreciate that it is narrated in the character of Maresi, a young girl, but something still felt a little off to me, though I am considerably older than the target audience of course :-)
Overall, though, I think a feminist fantasy coming-of-age story emphasising women's strength and friendship has to be a good thing and I probably would have loved this at age 12 or 13, although some readers that age might find it too upsetting eg there is a rape scene (albeit one that is not described graphically but takes place behind a closed door) and descriptions of violence.
I don't read much YA but I felt like I needed a bit of a palate cleanser and I loved the premise of this book. For me, it wasn't quite the "thrilling, suspenseful and gloriously feminist" book that the blurb promised, but it was a diverting enough read.
I enjoyed the mythology of the Mother/Maiden/Crone and the descriptions of abbey life, as well as the emphasis on female friendship and co-operation, but I felt that there wasn't really quite enough character development. The language felt simplistic, more like something written for pre-teens although the themes seemed aimed at a slightly older audience. I am not sure if this was the translation or the original writing, but it did jar a little. I appreciate that it is narrated in the character of Maresi, a young girl, but something still felt a little off to me, though I am considerably older than the target audience of course :-)
Overall, though, I think a feminist fantasy coming-of-age story emphasising women's strength and friendship has to be a good thing and I probably would have loved this at age 12 or 13, although some readers that age might find it too upsetting eg there is a rape scene (albeit one that is not described graphically but takes place behind a closed door) and descriptions of violence.
December 16, 2024
4.5
“It was a door, tall and narrow and silver in the bright moonlight. It was closed, but I could sense the darkness that waited on the other side. Darkness so deep not even the light of the moon could penetrate it. It was the door from the hunger winter, and behind it the Crone was waiting.”
...
Oh, how I loved this strange, dark, wondrous story. Maresi was gorgeous!
When she was young, Maresi came to the Red Abbey during the Hunger Winter. Before then, the Red Abbey only existed to her in stories - a myth whispered among mothers, daughters, and sisters. Now, Maresi is a novice at the Red Abbey, living on Menos, an island solely inhabited by women. In the Red Abbey, Maresi and her sisters are safe.
Until Jai arrives on Menos, with her golden hair and dirty clothes. She fled to the island, escaping danger from her past. Maresi soon befriends her, and learns that the things hunting Jai may come for the Red Abbey. Now, the novices and sisters must unite to protect her and their way of life against a raging tide.
I picked Maresi up on a whim.
I wasn't expecting much from this book - maybe a quick read, with magic and entertainment. It's the best feeling, falling into a story and sinking your teeth into it. I was so surprised, so overwhelmed by this beautiful little book.
For one, the story is told in an interesting style. Maresi is recounting the story of Jai's arrival to Menos, and the time after, in a knowing narrative voice. She recounts this story from the future, documenting it for future sisters and novices of the Red Abbey to read. It reads like a wondrous story, but it feels entirely personal, due to Maresi's endearing perspective. As a reader, you come to know her so deeply, and I was so attached to Maresi, Jai, and the rest of the sisters at the Red Abbey.
Specifically, Maresi and Jai's friendship broke my heart. I got choked up reading their interactions, and Maria Turtschaninoff understands beautifully the importance of sisterhood and female bonds, especially in a world that is so cruel to young girls.
“Holy Goddess,” I whispered into Jai’s hair, which smelled like soap and sun-bleached linen. “Maiden, Mother, and Crone, I pray to all your aspects. Relieve this girl’s burden.”
I just. *sobs*
The Red Abbey itself was wonderfully realized. I felt so immersed in the setting, and came to know the Abbey so intimately. I felt like I was there, in the Temple Garden and the library in Knowledge house. That was due in part to Turtschaninoff's gorgeous writing. It was simple, and packed an emotional punch with minimal prose. It's remarkable to me, when authors can evoke such raw, true emotion with so few words.
There's a deep, awe-inspiring magic present in the women of Menos. It's strange and Earth-shattering, empowering and frightening. I loved it. Mother leads the women of the Red Abbey, and all worship the First Mother and her three incarnations - the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. I loved this element of mythos weaved within the narrative.
To my immense surprise, this book is incredibly dark. I thought Maresi leaned toward the younger side of YA due to its younger protagonists, but this story explores serious, brutal themes: parental abuse, sexual abuse, rape, and oppression. The young girls of the Red Abbey live in a world where women are seen as lesser-than, as undeserving of education, equality, and respect. Therefore, the Red Abbey is a safe haven, and a home for girls who seek knowledge and freedom. The deep horrors of this world are explored through Jai, and the trauma she faced at the hands of her father. So much darkness lingers at the edges of Maresi, but it's driven back by the shining characters, empowering narrative, and awe-inspiring magic.
I just...loved this book. A lot. I'm completely blown away because I wasn't expecting much, and was given a hidden gem of a story. Maresi was marvelous!
More people need to read this. I highly, highly recommend this if you're looking for a breath of fresh air within the YA fantasy genre! I can't wait to get to Naondel.
...
“She does not know how to feel safe.” As I said it I knew it was true. “We will have to teach her how.”
“It was a door, tall and narrow and silver in the bright moonlight. It was closed, but I could sense the darkness that waited on the other side. Darkness so deep not even the light of the moon could penetrate it. It was the door from the hunger winter, and behind it the Crone was waiting.”
...
Oh, how I loved this strange, dark, wondrous story. Maresi was gorgeous!
When she was young, Maresi came to the Red Abbey during the Hunger Winter. Before then, the Red Abbey only existed to her in stories - a myth whispered among mothers, daughters, and sisters. Now, Maresi is a novice at the Red Abbey, living on Menos, an island solely inhabited by women. In the Red Abbey, Maresi and her sisters are safe.
Until Jai arrives on Menos, with her golden hair and dirty clothes. She fled to the island, escaping danger from her past. Maresi soon befriends her, and learns that the things hunting Jai may come for the Red Abbey. Now, the novices and sisters must unite to protect her and their way of life against a raging tide.
I picked Maresi up on a whim.
I wasn't expecting much from this book - maybe a quick read, with magic and entertainment. It's the best feeling, falling into a story and sinking your teeth into it. I was so surprised, so overwhelmed by this beautiful little book.
For one, the story is told in an interesting style. Maresi is recounting the story of Jai's arrival to Menos, and the time after, in a knowing narrative voice. She recounts this story from the future, documenting it for future sisters and novices of the Red Abbey to read. It reads like a wondrous story, but it feels entirely personal, due to Maresi's endearing perspective. As a reader, you come to know her so deeply, and I was so attached to Maresi, Jai, and the rest of the sisters at the Red Abbey.
Specifically, Maresi and Jai's friendship broke my heart. I got choked up reading their interactions, and Maria Turtschaninoff understands beautifully the importance of sisterhood and female bonds, especially in a world that is so cruel to young girls.
“Holy Goddess,” I whispered into Jai’s hair, which smelled like soap and sun-bleached linen. “Maiden, Mother, and Crone, I pray to all your aspects. Relieve this girl’s burden.”
I just. *sobs*
The Red Abbey itself was wonderfully realized. I felt so immersed in the setting, and came to know the Abbey so intimately. I felt like I was there, in the Temple Garden and the library in Knowledge house. That was due in part to Turtschaninoff's gorgeous writing. It was simple, and packed an emotional punch with minimal prose. It's remarkable to me, when authors can evoke such raw, true emotion with so few words.
There's a deep, awe-inspiring magic present in the women of Menos. It's strange and Earth-shattering, empowering and frightening. I loved it. Mother leads the women of the Red Abbey, and all worship the First Mother and her three incarnations - the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone. I loved this element of mythos weaved within the narrative.
To my immense surprise, this book is incredibly dark. I thought Maresi leaned toward the younger side of YA due to its younger protagonists, but this story explores serious, brutal themes: parental abuse, sexual abuse, rape, and oppression. The young girls of the Red Abbey live in a world where women are seen as lesser-than, as undeserving of education, equality, and respect. Therefore, the Red Abbey is a safe haven, and a home for girls who seek knowledge and freedom. The deep horrors of this world are explored through Jai, and the trauma she faced at the hands of her father. So much darkness lingers at the edges of Maresi, but it's driven back by the shining characters, empowering narrative, and awe-inspiring magic.
I just...loved this book. A lot. I'm completely blown away because I wasn't expecting much, and was given a hidden gem of a story. Maresi was marvelous!
More people need to read this. I highly, highly recommend this if you're looking for a breath of fresh air within the YA fantasy genre! I can't wait to get to Naondel.
...
“She does not know how to feel safe.” As I said it I knew it was true. “We will have to teach her how.”
February 14, 2022
5/5
Kai buvau maža ir vis religingai skaitydavau Krabatą, turėjau nuoskaudą – o tai kodėl negali tokios magiškos, tamsios, žiaurios knygos būti ir apie mergaites? Gali. Yra. Turėjau palaukt kokius dvidešimt metų, bet yra. Ir Maresi yra viskas, ko tikėjaus – net daugiau! Tobulas Elžbietos Kmitaitės vertimas, stiprios, įvairiapusiškos, magiškos veikėjos, iki smulkmenų apgalvotas pasaulis, stipri, feministiška, įkvepianti žinutė, paauglių ir vaikų nesaugantis žiaurus (ne be priežasties!), bet pamokantis siužetas, bei tokia įtraukianti istorija, kad jau dabar noriu DAR, DAAAAAR! Milžiniškas Maresi pliusas – nėra JOKIOS meilės istorijos. Įsivaizduojat? Jokios. Nė biškuliuko. Ir kokia tai atgaiva, koks triumfas, kuomet mergaitės gali būti tiesiog mergaitėmis, tyrinėti pasaulį ir mokytis, draugauti ir ieškoti savęs, padedamos išmintingų, tačiau į jokį kelią per prievartą netempiančių suaugusiųjų. Ir kaip nenupigintai, kaip giliamintiškai, kaip įkvepiančiai čia (įsi)vaizduojama jų magija – ne per kokias bobiškas vidines deives, o atsiremiant į pagonybę, subtiliai ir vietomis net gąsdinančiai.
Čia tiek niuansiško, įvairiapusiško simbolizmo, kad sukasi galva. Tokia knyga jaunimui, kurią ir kiekvienas su žile galvoje gali atrasti ir jausti absoliučią literatūrinę pilnatvę. Vienintelis minusas – viršelis, nė trupučio neatspindintis knygos gylio, tamsos ir išbaigtumo. Jis kažkoks keistai seksualizuotas ir per daug nutolęs nuo originalių. Tai į jį nežiūrėkit, bet Maresi atraskit – čia tokia nuostabi ir įtraukianti istorija, kad tik liūdžiu, jog pirmoji tokia trumpa. Sulaikiusi kvapą laukiu tolimesnių ir džiaugiuosi, kad šiuolaikiniai skaitytojai turi tai, apie ką aš tik svajojau, prie ko nebent prisiliečiau su „Dina, gėdytojos dukterimi“, „Lauros“ seriją ir panašiais perliukais. Tikras YA triumfas!
Kai buvau maža ir vis religingai skaitydavau Krabatą, turėjau nuoskaudą – o tai kodėl negali tokios magiškos, tamsios, žiaurios knygos būti ir apie mergaites? Gali. Yra. Turėjau palaukt kokius dvidešimt metų, bet yra. Ir Maresi yra viskas, ko tikėjaus – net daugiau! Tobulas Elžbietos Kmitaitės vertimas, stiprios, įvairiapusiškos, magiškos veikėjos, iki smulkmenų apgalvotas pasaulis, stipri, feministiška, įkvepianti žinutė, paauglių ir vaikų nesaugantis žiaurus (ne be priežasties!), bet pamokantis siužetas, bei tokia įtraukianti istorija, kad jau dabar noriu DAR, DAAAAAR! Milžiniškas Maresi pliusas – nėra JOKIOS meilės istorijos. Įsivaizduojat? Jokios. Nė biškuliuko. Ir kokia tai atgaiva, koks triumfas, kuomet mergaitės gali būti tiesiog mergaitėmis, tyrinėti pasaulį ir mokytis, draugauti ir ieškoti savęs, padedamos išmintingų, tačiau į jokį kelią per prievartą netempiančių suaugusiųjų. Ir kaip nenupigintai, kaip giliamintiškai, kaip įkvepiančiai čia (įsi)vaizduojama jų magija – ne per kokias bobiškas vidines deives, o atsiremiant į pagonybę, subtiliai ir vietomis net gąsdinančiai.
Čia tiek niuansiško, įvairiapusiško simbolizmo, kad sukasi galva. Tokia knyga jaunimui, kurią ir kiekvienas su žile galvoje gali atrasti ir jausti absoliučią literatūrinę pilnatvę. Vienintelis minusas – viršelis, nė trupučio neatspindintis knygos gylio, tamsos ir išbaigtumo. Jis kažkoks keistai seksualizuotas ir per daug nutolęs nuo originalių. Tai į jį nežiūrėkit, bet Maresi atraskit – čia tokia nuostabi ir įtraukianti istorija, kad tik liūdžiu, jog pirmoji tokia trumpa. Sulaikiusi kvapą laukiu tolimesnių ir džiaugiuosi, kad šiuolaikiniai skaitytojai turi tai, apie ką aš tik svajojau, prie ko nebent prisiliečiau su „Dina, gėdytojos dukterimi“, „Lauros“ seriją ir panašiais perliukais. Tikras YA triumfas!
January 28, 2021
2,5/5
Zastanawiam się, co mogłabym o tej pozycji powiedzieć. Historia była jak najbardziej w porządku, ale taka na jaką liczyłam po tylu zachwytach jakie słyszałam o niej. Język był lekki, czytało się dość szybko, ale nie czułam wielkiej potrzeby, aby do niej wrócić. Zaczęłam ją według Goodreads w połowie października, a skończyłam dopiero pod koniec stycznia, co także pokazuje, że nie ciągnęło mnie do tej historii, do powrotu do niej. Owszem czasem po prostu nie mam czasu, aby dokończyć jakąś książkę, ale w tym wypadku nie miałam ochoty, skończyłam ją teraz, ponieważ była cienka i najłatwiejsza do skończenia, a chcę wyczytać zaległości. Nic poza tym. Także "Maresi" jest całkiem dobrą historią, ale mnie jednak mimo małej ilości wymagać nie zachwyciła, ale kiedyś zapewne sięgnę po "Naondel".
Zastanawiam się, co mogłabym o tej pozycji powiedzieć. Historia była jak najbardziej w porządku, ale taka na jaką liczyłam po tylu zachwytach jakie słyszałam o niej. Język był lekki, czytało się dość szybko, ale nie czułam wielkiej potrzeby, aby do niej wrócić. Zaczęłam ją według Goodreads w połowie października, a skończyłam dopiero pod koniec stycznia, co także pokazuje, że nie ciągnęło mnie do tej historii, do powrotu do niej. Owszem czasem po prostu nie mam czasu, aby dokończyć jakąś książkę, ale w tym wypadku nie miałam ochoty, skończyłam ją teraz, ponieważ była cienka i najłatwiejsza do skończenia, a chcę wyczytać zaległości. Nic poza tym. Także "Maresi" jest całkiem dobrą historią, ale mnie jednak mimo małej ilości wymagać nie zachwyciła, ale kiedyś zapewne sięgnę po "Naondel".
January 10, 2017
2.5 stars - I was disappointed in this. It had a ton of potential. I loved the premise of a safe island for women/girls only who were abused or damaged in some way and needed to heal. This should have a short story there just wasn't enough here to make a novel. It is the first in a series but I doubt it's one I will continue to read.
September 13, 2021
Bardzo mi się podobało choć świat przedstawiony w książce należący do mężczyzn jest okropny.
July 25, 2022
OCENA: 3,5 ⭐️
February 22, 2022
Nesileiskit apgaunami viršelio – tikrai verta dėmesio istorija, dėl kurios neužsičiaupdama būčiau svaigusi ankstyvoj paauglystėj, bet ir dabar labai labai mėgavausi. Kaip jau nemažai kas ir minėjo, pasakojimas išskirtinis tuo, kad niekaip nesisuka apie meilės istoriją, o veikiau seserystę ir jos galią. Itin gražiai kalbama apie mokymąsi, žinių troškimą ir norą padėti kitiems, o autorės kuriamas pasaulis pakankamai smulkmeniškas ir įtraukiantis, bet ne pernelyg komplikuotas, kad visą laiką skaitant suktum galvą mėgindamas prisiminti, kas čia ir kaip. Elžbietos Kmitaitės vertimas, kurį skaitant ir didžiuojuosi, ir semiuosi įkvėpimo, nes neradau prie ko prikibti. Daug gražios simbolikos, apskritai labai graži siunčiama žinutė ir viena tų istorijų, kurią perskaitęs supratingai palinksi ir džiugiai padūsauji, nes buvo gerai.
February 6, 2017
DNF on page 195
I went into this book completely blind. I had seen some talk on Twitter about it and I was fairly excited about it.
Maresi is a bland character. She is loyal to the Abbey and the sisters who live/work there, but there isn't much more I can say about her. There are a lot a lot a lot of characters and some are mentioned without ever being talked about again.
As for the plot, it was soooooooo slooooooow. There isn't any sort of conflict until it's almost over and even that seemed strained. I never really got invested in the story or the characters. And even though I considered DNFing 100 pages in, I kept reading.
I'm giving it two stars instead of one because something kept me reading. I will not be reading any other books in the series.
**Huge thanks to Amulet for providing the arc free of charge**
I went into this book completely blind. I had seen some talk on Twitter about it and I was fairly excited about it.
Maresi is a bland character. She is loyal to the Abbey and the sisters who live/work there, but there isn't much more I can say about her. There are a lot a lot a lot of characters and some are mentioned without ever being talked about again.
As for the plot, it was soooooooo slooooooow. There isn't any sort of conflict until it's almost over and even that seemed strained. I never really got invested in the story or the characters. And even though I considered DNFing 100 pages in, I kept reading.
I'm giving it two stars instead of one because something kept me reading. I will not be reading any other books in the series.
**Huge thanks to Amulet for providing the arc free of charge**
May 26, 2016
What an enchanting read! Everyone was telling me that it had fairytale vibes, and I totally agree! It's perfect if you want to experience the same kind of vibes from the His Fair Assassin trilogy, or something like The Sin Eater's Daughter.
January 3, 2016
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
I first heard about this book through some bloggers via Twitter. Because I trust their judgement on books, I decided to try and request a copy, and was lucky enough to receive one. I had next to no knowledge what the book was actually about, other than the fact this was it's first time being published in English, rather than its native Finnish. Most of reviews I've since seen have been extremely complimentary, and I was hoping I'd feel the same way - unfortunately, this was not the case.
Maresi is about a young girl, living in a secluded nunnery, on a female only island. The only men who are allowed anywhere near are merchants delivering goods, and taking items manufactured and sold by the nunnery. And, even then, they are met at a jetty, and don't disembark the ships. For many years, everything has ran very smoothly. Once Jai, a bedraggled young girl, arrives at the convent, things change, and not for the better. Maresi and Jai become quick friends, but Jai's history soon catches up with them.
I did like Maresi, but there was just something lacking. She was a proper role model for young girls, both in the book and otherwise, but I never really felt the whole 'feminist' aspect of the book that a lot of other reviewers have mentioned. The nuns were really great characters, and I enjoyed how much learning was a part of the story. Jai, however, I never really warmed up to. I understood she'd had such an awful life, and really sympathised with her for that, but I still didn't connect with her character.
The book also seemed really slow, for the most part. Nothing really happened for about three quarters of the book, and then when it did, it was over in a short space of time. Even when I had just finished the book, I forgot pretty much all that had happened in it: it just wasn't memorable, at all. I'm not sure whether it was just a bit too young for me.
I'm still glad that I read the book, though I wouldn't be in a hurry to read it again. I think younger readers would probably prefer it more than I did, but I know people my age, and older, have also loved it.
I first heard about this book through some bloggers via Twitter. Because I trust their judgement on books, I decided to try and request a copy, and was lucky enough to receive one. I had next to no knowledge what the book was actually about, other than the fact this was it's first time being published in English, rather than its native Finnish. Most of reviews I've since seen have been extremely complimentary, and I was hoping I'd feel the same way - unfortunately, this was not the case.
Maresi is about a young girl, living in a secluded nunnery, on a female only island. The only men who are allowed anywhere near are merchants delivering goods, and taking items manufactured and sold by the nunnery. And, even then, they are met at a jetty, and don't disembark the ships. For many years, everything has ran very smoothly. Once Jai, a bedraggled young girl, arrives at the convent, things change, and not for the better. Maresi and Jai become quick friends, but Jai's history soon catches up with them.
I did like Maresi, but there was just something lacking. She was a proper role model for young girls, both in the book and otherwise, but I never really felt the whole 'feminist' aspect of the book that a lot of other reviewers have mentioned. The nuns were really great characters, and I enjoyed how much learning was a part of the story. Jai, however, I never really warmed up to. I understood she'd had such an awful life, and really sympathised with her for that, but I still didn't connect with her character.
The book also seemed really slow, for the most part. Nothing really happened for about three quarters of the book, and then when it did, it was over in a short space of time. Even when I had just finished the book, I forgot pretty much all that had happened in it: it just wasn't memorable, at all. I'm not sure whether it was just a bit too young for me.
I'm still glad that I read the book, though I wouldn't be in a hurry to read it again. I think younger readers would probably prefer it more than I did, but I know people my age, and older, have also loved it.
June 21, 2018
Wow! Tas bija maģiski! Skaisti, drūmi un šausminoši, bet tomēr maģiski. Tā matu ķemmēšana man vēl ilgi paliks atmiņā.
January 2, 2022
1.5 /5 ⭐
Niestety dla mnie zawód. Nie zachwyciła mnie ta książka ani razu. Spodziewałam się genialnej powieści od której nie będę mogła się oderwać, a dostałam po prostu dobrą książkę. Nie jest zła, ale też nie jest wybitnie dobra. Świat wykreowany jest ciekawy, ale trochę za bardzo przypomina nasz ludzki. Podobała mi się, ale liczyłam na coś znacznie lepszego
Niestety dla mnie zawód. Nie zachwyciła mnie ta książka ani razu. Spodziewałam się genialnej powieści od której nie będę mogła się oderwać, a dostałam po prostu dobrą książkę. Nie jest zła, ale też nie jest wybitnie dobra. Świat wykreowany jest ciekawy, ale trochę za bardzo przypomina nasz ludzki. Podobała mi się, ale liczyłam na coś znacznie lepszego
March 30, 2023
Jauks ievads feminismā un ekoloģiskā domāšanā. Man patika, ka tomēr tika pateikts, ka ne jau visi vīrieši ir ienaidnieki. Tāds filozofisks saturs, bet ar gana daudz notikumiem, lai lasīt būtu interesanti.
June 20, 2020
Jestem zawiedziona... Po tych wszystkich dobrych opiniach spodziewałam się czegoś lepszego, ale ta książka, w ogóle mnie nie porwała, szkoda.
October 20, 2023
This was a wonderful novella by a Swedish Finn. It’s billed as YA, probably because the MC is young, but it is sophisticated enough for any adult to enjoy.
I enjoyed the Triune Goddess religion, which was the background to this story and authoritative and bad-ass manner this religion gave to the women and girls at an Abbey on a remote island. It was a little black and white, women=good, men=bad but the issues that are grappled with are not unfamiliar, so fair enough.
The style of the writing is pleasant and easy to digest.
I’m looking forward to the sequel, if there is one.
I enjoyed the Triune Goddess religion, which was the background to this story and authoritative and bad-ass manner this religion gave to the women and girls at an Abbey on a remote island. It was a little black and white, women=good, men=bad but the issues that are grappled with are not unfamiliar, so fair enough.
The style of the writing is pleasant and easy to digest.
I’m looking forward to the sequel, if there is one.
June 18, 2025
Quite good: a short, feminist fantasy novel that is apparently aimed at younger readers but works well for adults, too, without falling into the usual tropes. Set in an island convent on a fantasy world and narrated by a 13-year-old novice, it begins with the arrival of a girl seeking refuge and follows a threat to the community. The first half is almost cozy, which sets up the second half to hit hard. Much harder, I think, than if it had gone there immediately, since we have time to come to know and appreciate these people and this place. I liked the portrayal of the community a lot: it’s supportive and productive but without being too idealized to be believed, and the relationships among the women and girls of the convent feel real. I quickly came to care about the characters, and found Maresi’s voice believable, though given her age, that means it is a little unpolished. It’s also a very quick read—244 pages with huge spacing—leading to me reading the entire book in one day.
I do wonder what people are thinking in criticizing the book for having no positive male characters: it’s set on an island that is closed to men, obviously the ones who show up in violation of that are not going to be good guys, and from Maresi’s loving memories of her father, they’re not meant to be representative of everyone in the world. I do think having the one guy who opposes violent rampage be gay was a misstep, given that in highly misogynistic, sex-segregated societies, gay men do not tend to be allies. But ultimately, this is a really small part of the book, and I appreciated the focus on friendships and mentoring relationships among the women of the island. I’m interested to read more in this trilogy.
I do wonder what people are thinking in criticizing the book for having no positive male characters: it’s set on an island that is closed to men, obviously the ones who show up in violation of that are not going to be good guys, and from Maresi’s loving memories of her father, they’re not meant to be representative of everyone in the world. I do think having the one guy who opposes violent rampage be gay was a misstep, given that in highly misogynistic, sex-segregated societies, gay men do not tend to be allies. But ultimately, this is a really small part of the book, and I appreciated the focus on friendships and mentoring relationships among the women of the island. I’m interested to read more in this trilogy.
June 5, 2019
5 Words: Faith, hope, learning, magic, friendship.
Hands down the best fantasy I have read in a long time.
I think this is one of those books where you either love it or feel a bit Meh after reading. I definitely loved it, but I can see why some people wouldn't like it.
This was a very subtle fantasy - if not for the magic and technology it could almost have been set now, in this world. There was no cookie-cutter plot with a Mary Sue main character. Instead there was complex plot with mixed yet natural feeling pacing and a thoroughly challenging Maresi, who had as many bad parts about her character as good.
This story started very slowly, and it felt like not much happened except for beautiful world building, until about half way through when suddenly the plot truly took off and I could not put it down.
The writing had a bit of a fairy-tale feel to it. I liked how the magic wasn't something confirmed, it wasn't something definite. It felt a lot like magic realism - how much was coincidence or faith or in their heads? I liked how it let me decide.
Something I really liked was how much food was discussed - it's very much a factor of the life the people on the island live, but food is talked about a lot by the main character, especially how it correlates to different events and season. It was a nice way to see the passing of time depicted. And yes, it made me hungry.
Edit 19/12/2017: I have lost count of the amount of times I have recommended this book to people. It is absolutely outstanding.
Hands down the best fantasy I have read in a long time.
I think this is one of those books where you either love it or feel a bit Meh after reading. I definitely loved it, but I can see why some people wouldn't like it.
This was a very subtle fantasy - if not for the magic and technology it could almost have been set now, in this world. There was no cookie-cutter plot with a Mary Sue main character. Instead there was complex plot with mixed yet natural feeling pacing and a thoroughly challenging Maresi, who had as many bad parts about her character as good.
This story started very slowly, and it felt like not much happened except for beautiful world building, until about half way through when suddenly the plot truly took off and I could not put it down.
The writing had a bit of a fairy-tale feel to it. I liked how the magic wasn't something confirmed, it wasn't something definite. It felt a lot like magic realism - how much was coincidence or faith or in their heads? I liked how it let me decide.
Something I really liked was how much food was discussed - it's very much a factor of the life the people on the island live, but food is talked about a lot by the main character, especially how it correlates to different events and season. It was a nice way to see the passing of time depicted. And yes, it made me hungry.
Edit 19/12/2017: I have lost count of the amount of times I have recommended this book to people. It is absolutely outstanding.
March 6, 2021
Ja feminizm widzę inaczej. Jest mi dziwnie, jesli słyszę lub czytam recenzje, mowiące o tym, że to literatura feministyczna. Dla mnie to fajna fantastyka, ciekawy świat, piekna kobieca społeczność, wspierająca sie i chroniąca siebie nawzajem. Ale feminizm to równość, ktorej tutaj brakuje.
March 12, 2019
I went into Maresi hoping for Red Sister kind of vibes, and to some extent, it does have that! It's almost like the children's version of Red Sister, without the killing. It follows an abbey on a remote island where men are forbidden to set foot. Our main character Maresi witnesses the unusual arrival of a new novice, Jai, and we follow them as they learn the things the abbey has to offer.
It has a really mysterious and cool magic system, and the abbey is such an intriguing place. I love the combination of the nuns' religion and the magic, and the concept of the 3 aspects. It's a short novel that packs a lot of punch. Maresi was a great main character, she was kind and realistic, although I will say that I do prefer my main characters with a touch more feistiness. I loved the feminist vibes and the sisterhood and female friendships. Jai and Maresi had such a great relationship and it was so nice to read about! It was thrilling when danger arrived and had a really satisfying ending, if a little too idealistic. I would definitely continue the series!
It has a really mysterious and cool magic system, and the abbey is such an intriguing place. I love the combination of the nuns' religion and the magic, and the concept of the 3 aspects. It's a short novel that packs a lot of punch. Maresi was a great main character, she was kind and realistic, although I will say that I do prefer my main characters with a touch more feistiness. I loved the feminist vibes and the sisterhood and female friendships. Jai and Maresi had such a great relationship and it was so nice to read about! It was thrilling when danger arrived and had a really satisfying ending, if a little too idealistic. I would definitely continue the series!
August 11, 2017
"There’s this habit in this book of making all men look powerful and strong but also mean and sexist and all women look pure, innocent and fragile. And yes, the book is written mostly with the intention to show us how women are strong and capable of doing just as much as men but the world is not always this or that, positive and negative, there’s so much to an individual than just evil or just good."
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