Spinning Silver is a fantasy novel by Naomi Novik published in 2019 It is a retelling of the fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin set in an alternate version of Eastern Europe The story follows three women: Miryem a young Jewish moneylender; Wanda a peasant girl who is sold to a sorcerer; and the Staryk king a creature of ice and snow < p>

Miryem is forced to take over her father s moneylending business when he dies She is good at her job and soon she has a reputation for being able to turn silver into gold This attracts the attention of the Staryk king who offers to marry her in exchange for her magic Miryem refuses but the king is not easily deterred < p>

Wanda is a young peasant girl who is sold to a sorcerer in order to save her family from poverty The sorcerer is a cruel and demanding master and Wanda is miserable One day she meets the Staryk king who offers to help her escape Wanda agrees and the two of them flee together < p>

The Staryk king is a complex and fascinating character He is powerful and dangerous but he is also lonely and longing for companionship He sees something in Miryem and Wanda that no one else has ever seen and he is determined to win their love < p>

Spinning Silver is a beautifully written and imaginative novel It is a story about love loss and the power of magic It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it < p>

Here are some of the key themes of the book:< p>

• The power of women< li>
• The importance of family< li>
• The dangers of greed< li>
• The power of love< li> < ul>

  Spinning Silver is a must read for fans of fantasy fairy tales and strong female characters < p>