Title: The Birthgrave
Author: Tanith Lee
First published June 1, 1975
408 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780860079422 (ISBN10: 0860079422)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
Yearning for a change, Debbie longs for something exciting to happen in her mundane life. Her eyes fall on a vibrant photograph in a magazine and she can’t help but wish for something similar.
As she checks her wish for any gaps, she discovers a loophole. With a glimmer of hope, she quickly thinks the word “soon.” Will her wish come true, or will it be too late?
Dive into Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins to find out.
About the Author
Tanith Lee, a British writer who specialized in science fiction, horror, and fantasy, had an impressive career. She authored 77 novels, almost 300 short stories, and 14 collections.
On top of that, she wrote four radio plays that aired on the BBC and two scripts for the UK science fiction television series “Blake’s 7.”
Before becoming a full-time writer, Lee worked several jobs, including file clerk, assistant librarian, shop assistant, and waitress. Her first short story, “Eustace,” was published in 1968, and her first children’s novel came out in 1971.
However, her career really took off in 1975 when Daw Books USA accepted her adult fantasy epic for publication as a mass-market paperback. Lee maintained a prolific output in popular genre writing from then on.
Lee twice won the World Fantasy Award, once in 1983 for best short fiction for “The Gorgon” and again in 1984 for best short fiction for “Elle Est Trois (La Mort).” She was a Guest of Honour at numerous science fiction and fantasy conventions, including the Boskone XVIII in Boston, USA in 1981, the 1984 World Fantasy Convention in Ottawa, Canada, and Orbital 2008, the British National Science Fiction convention (Eastercon) held in London, England in March 2008. In 2009, she received the prestigious title of Grand Master of Horror.
Lee’s parents, Bernard and Hylda Lee, were both ballroom dancers. Despite rumors to the contrary, she was not the daughter of Bernard Lee, the actor who played “M” in the James Bond films of the 1960s.
Lee married author and artist John Kaiine in 1992.
Editoral Review
The Birthgrave by Tanith Lee is a classic in the science fiction and fantasy genre. First published in 1975, the novel is a thrilling exploration of themes like identity, power, and the purpose of existence.
Tanith Lee, who was a prolific writer in this genre, showcases her abilities as a master storyteller in this novel. The story opens with a woman waking up in a dank and dark cave with amnesia.
This character is known as The White Witch or The Lady, and she is on a journey to uncover her past and her true identity. This journey takes her through a series of events that gradually shed some light on her origins and her immense power.
The story is set in a world of magic and strange creatures; a world that was both beautifully and vividly described by the author.
The Birthgrave boasts well-crafted characters such as the vile but charismatic Wraith, the stoic and determined Gorgon, and the treacherous and enigmatic Snake woman.
These characters added depth and complexity to the storytelling, making the story more intriguing and the plot more exciting.
The novel also explores essential themes such as self-discovery, power, greed, and identity, which remain relevant even till date.
It draws a line between the maladies of the fictional world it depicts and our contemporary society, making it a thought-provoking and compelling read. Tanith Lee’s writing is exceptional, and the prose is both alluring and engaging, immersing the reader in a world where magic and adventure collide.
The pacing is steady, keeping the reader engaged and raising the tension for the inevitable climax. Although the novel has some flaws in pacing and plot development at certain points of the story, its strengths far outweigh its limitations.
The author’s ability to create a world full of wonder and awe is a testament to her storytelling skills. In conclusion, The Birthgrave is a marvelous addition to the science fiction and fantasy genre that stands the test of time, with its themes and characters still relevant even today.
This book is highly recommended for readers searching for a thrilling and enthralling reading experience. It receives a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
