The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden is a unique retelling of Russian folk legends. Well-researched and communicated with engaging prose, there is a lot that folks will like with this one. It is historically accurate to a fault, however, and that will lessen the enjoyment for some. Regardless, there is a beautiful story within these pages.

One of the things I loved about this book is Arden’s work to bring Russian folklore to a wider audience. I’m always appreciative of authors who are willing to plumb the depths of their own experience and history and share that with the world. Arden does so with prose that is always engaging and edges into absolutely beautiful at times. Perhaps one of her truly stellar accomplishments with this novel is the ambiance of the book. At times dark and cold and at times warm and whimsical—though those two extremes and the journey between them never seems jarring—Arden paints an imaginative picture of a northern Russian village during the 14th century. What Hayao Miyazaki has done for Japanese folklore with his animated films Arden is doing for Russian folklore with her novels. One place The Bear and the Nightingale really shines is in the sense of both isolation and discovery. Vasya, the main character, is geographically isolated and—as the novel progresses—increasingly isolated relationally. Yet in the midst of this there is a wonderful sense of discovery, particularly in the early parts of the novel. Once again, this compares favorably with the sense of discovery often inherent in Miyazaki’s movies. This is part of the telling of folklore, a sense of discovery and explanation for why things are the way they are. These stories are etiological in a profound sense, and Arden has brought that sense over into her novel. Those who enjoy beautiful prose and folklore will find much to love in Arden’s work.

There were times when the novel felt a little meandering and perhaps could have been tightened up, but this was not a large issue for me. There is also a tendency to hop from perspective to perspective in such a way that the novel doesn’t feel like it is written in third limited or third omniscient perspective. However, this also was something I got used to and didn’t mind overmuch. The biggest issue for me was actually the lengths to which Arden went to be historically accurate, particularly as it concerns active and latent sexism. This takes the form not simply of the girls being married off and bearing children, but includes physical and verbal abuse. It plays a huge role in the plot, since women are mistreated and shunned not only by men but by other women. The physical abuse that is perpetrated on various characters by parents is no doubt historically accurate. Nevertheless, the fact that characters perpetuating abuse are treated with respect by other family members is nothing short of Stockholm Syndrome. I am fully aware that I am importing my morals to a different time and culture. I fully understand that we need to have discussions about sexism and the mistreatment of women in our own world. However, I don’t feel that the book really lends itself to this. Sexism is rampant, but no character questions it. It’s simply the way of the world. While that may be historically accurate, it was a huge turn off for me. Had a character had a thought that this was wrong in some way, had there been some point that the novel sought to make with the abuse and sexism, then I might feel differently. To me it seemed to serve no point aside from being historically accurate and moving the plot along. So, for those folks who dislike that sort of thing or find themselves sensitive to sexism in novels, you should be aware that sexism is quite prevalent in this one. For me, if I’m being asked to suspend disbelief concerning the existence of magic and household spirits I think I could certainly suspend disbelief concerning sexism in the setting.

There is a great deal to like in Arden’s debut, but the rampant, unchallenged sexism in the book that goes so far as to include abuse just ruined much of my enjoyment and engagement with the novel. Those who don’t have my same hang-ups will find plenty to enjoy.

2.75/5 stars.

5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile
4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile
3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time
2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it
1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing