A Tale Inspired by Baba Yaga
‘Thistlefoot’ by GennaRose Nethercott is a remarkable novel that draws inspiration from the traditional tales of Baba Yaga. This vibrant debut, rich with Jewish folklore and magical adventure, tells the story of the Yaga siblings and a peculiar sentient house with chicken legs. Delving into the mystical, Nethercott presents a narrative that is as weird and wonderful as it is captivating.
The Yaga Siblings’ Journey
Bellatine and Isaac Yaga, estranged siblings, are united by an unexpected inheritance from a long-lost Russian relative: a living house named Thistlefoot. Bellatine, a passionate woodworker, and Isaac, a street performer with a penchant for petty crime, embark on a journey across the country, performing marionette shows with Thistlefoot. However, their adventure is fraught with danger as a sinister figure known as the Longshadow Man pursues them, leaving a trail of ghostly havoc.
Folklore and Modern Woes
Nethercott masterfully intertwines the ancient lore of Baba Yaga with the contemporary struggles of the Yaga siblings. Chapters narrated by Thistlefoot reveal stories of Baba Yaga and her daughters, offering a rich background that enhances the main narrative. These interludes, narrated from the house’s perspective, are some of the novel’s most poignant and well-crafted moments, providing insight into the folklore that shapes the story.
A Literary Triumph
‘Thistlefoot’ is an extraordinary blend of the old and the new. GennaRose Nethercott’s eloquent writing captures the essence of fairy tales while addressing the personal journeys of her characters. Her narrative seamlessly moves between the mystical storytelling of Thistlefoot and the real-life challenges faced by Bellatine and Isaac. With its enchanting prose and vivid imagination, ‘Thistlefoot’ invites readers into a world where magic and reality coexist harmoniously.
