Title: Vita Nostra
Author: Marina Dyachenko
First published January 1, 2007
408 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062694591 (ISBN10: 0062694596)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
The Tough Guide to Fantasyland is the ultimate travel guide for those who dare to venture into the world of fantasy. Imagine a place where dragons soar, where wizards cast spells, and where knights battle for glory.
This place is called Fantasyland, and it’s where all your favorite fantasy novels take place. In this handbook, you’ll find everything you need to know about Fantasyland, from its treacherous villains and dark lords to its curious cuisine and peculiar economy.
Written by the legendary Diana Wynne Jones, this hilarious send-up of the genre is also an indispensable guide for writers. For years, this cult classic has been nearly impossible to find, but now it’s back in a definitive edition that features a new map, an entirely new design, and additional material written by the author herself.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey through Fantasyland, then The Tough Guide to Fantasyland is the only travel guide you’ll ever need.
About the Author
Marina and Serhiy Dyachenko are a dynamic duo of writers who have penned numerous novels, short stories, plays, and scripts. While their primary language of choice is Russian (with some past works in Ukrainian), they have had several of their novels translated into English and published in the United States.
Their works span across various genres, including modern speculative fiction, fantasy, and literary tales. Some of their notable works include Vita Nostra (2012), The Scar (2012), The Burned Tower (2012), Age of Witches (2014), and Daughter from the Dark (2020).
Editoral Review
Vita Nostra by Marina Dyachenko is a captivating novel that plunges readers into a thoroughly immersive world of magic, identity, and self-discovery. Originally published in Russian in 2007, this novel has now been translated into English, bringing this haunting tale to a new audience.
The authors of this book are Marina and Sergey Dyachenko, a husband-and-wife writing team who are well-known in Russia for their signature blend of fantasy and psychological depth. Vita Nostra is a prime example of their unique style, which combines intricate world-building with explorations of characters’ deepest fears, desires, and secrets.
The plot of Vita Nostra follows Sasha Samokhina, a teenage girl who is suddenly whisked off to a mysterious school that teaches an obscure, esoteric language. At this school, Sasha must learn to speak and think in this language, which contains deep, hidden truths about the world and the self.
As Sasha delves deeper into this language, she discovers that it has a powerful effect on her mind and body, twisting and transforming her in ways that she never thought possible. One of the strengths of Vita Nostra is the complexity of the characters and the world they inhabit.
Sasha is a relatable teenage protagonist who grapples with universal issues of identity, belonging, and self-discovery. Her experiences at the school, and the pressures placed on her by the enigmatic teachers and students, put her through a journey of emotional turmoil and transformation that will leave readers captivated.
The setting of the novel is equally engrossing, with its blend of magical realism and science fiction, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy constantly blur. The authors have crafted a rich and intricate world that is both exhilarating and unsettling, with its own internal logic that leaves readers questioning their own assumptions about language, knowledge, and power.
However, this complexity also reveals one of the limitations of the book. At times, the plot can feel convoluted and hard to follow, especially as Sasha’s experiences become more surreal and abstract.
While this is intentional, to a degree, it may alienate some readers who prefer more straightforward storytelling. Despite this, Vita Nostra is a book that deserves to be read and discussed, especially in the current era of political and social upheaval.
The themes of identity, power, and the power of language are particularly relevant, as we grapple with questions of truth, knowledge, and propaganda in our own lives. This book will challenge and delight anyone who loves speculative fiction that pushes the boundaries of what we think is possible.
In conclusion, Vita Nostra is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it. Its unique blend of fantasy, psychological depth, and philosophical insight make it a must-read for anyone who loves thought-provoking speculative fiction.
While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to dive into its strange and wonderful world will be rewarded with a truly unforgettable experience. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.
