Enchanting Yet Disturbing: A Review of Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
I first stumbled across T. Kingfisher’s work when I was searching for a refreshingly dark twist on classic fairy tales, so when I came across Hemlock & Silver, I couldn’t resist diving in. A retelling of “Snow White,” but led by a healer who experiments with poison instead of enchantments? The premise alone had me intrigued. And of course, Kingfisher’s reputation as a New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author set my expectations high. I was not disappointed.
Hemlock & Silver revolves around Anja, a healer who has an unorthodox approach to medicine—she drinks poison to understand it better. This choice sets the stage for a captivating story that intertwines themes of mortality, science, and the intricate webs of human relationships. Anja might not fit the cookie-cutter mold of a heroine (think “doughy nun” rather than a dainty princess), but that’s precisely what drew me to her character. She’s relatable, witty, and refreshingly complex.
The narrative unfolds as Anja receives a summons from the King to save his dying daughter, Snow. Through her journey, we encounter a cast of support characters, including a taciturn guard and a narcissistic cat, who accompany Anja as she navigates this treacherous quest. The blend of humor, intrigue, and a touch of gothic eeriness adds layers to the otherwise traditional storyline. In fact, there’s almost a sense of growing suspense as Anja finds herself entangled in a hidden world within a magical mirror—a twist that not only serves as the story’s inciting incident but also deepens its thematic complexity.
Kingfisher’s writing style is often both whimsical and profound, and in Hemlock & Silver, she deftly captures the essence of a strange, magical world while embedding her characters with very human emotions. As one reviewer said, “Anja is more comfortable talking about poisons and finds talking to people in general tedious,” which made me chuckle as I could relate to her somewhat socially awkward tendencies. The humor interspersed throughout offers a delightful contrast to the darker elements, making for a balanced reading experience.
The pacing of the book received mixed reviews, with some readers finding early stretches tedious. For me, though, it allowed for intricate world-building and character development that made me feel truly invested in Anja’s journey. The book’s exploration of identity, self-acceptance, and the search for meaning resonates deeply, especially when Anja confronts her self-doubt with lines like, “I was too big, too loud, cared too intensely about things that no one else did.” This kind of reflective, powerful prose found a way to take root in my thoughts, reminding me that it’s okay to exist in a world that often expects conformity.
If you’re someone who enjoys richly layered narratives steeped in dark magic but balanced with humor and compelling characters, Hemlock & Silver is likely to charm you as it did me. It’s ideal for readers who appreciate subversive fairy tales that challenge traditional notions of heroes and villains. Kingfisher continues to carve out her niche in this genre, and frankly, I’m eager for what she’ll weave next.
Reading Hemlock & Silver was more than just indulging in a well-crafted story; it was a journey of self-discovery mirrored in Anja’s own challenges. I left the pages not only entertained but moved, a testament to the power of storytelling in touching upon our shared human experience.