Strands of Starlight (Paperback)

by Gael Baudino (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Baudino ( Dragonsword ) sets this engrossing fantasy-adventure in a mythical land that replicates the political and religious tensions of 14th-century Europe. The heroine, Miriam, unwillingly gifted with the power to heal, falls victim to a savage Inquisition that condemns her ability as witchcraft, and to a ruthless nobleman who rapes her after she saves his life. Baudino understands the psychology of the persecuted, astutely motivating the self-immolating rage that consumes Miriam and leads her to undergo a complete, magical physical metamorphosis (she becomes tall, strong and beautiful) so that she can be a scourge for her enemies. Though the plot has its share of exciting sword fights, bold rescues and similar stock-in-tradehyphens ok?-pk/ yes-rl , Baudino focuses on Miriam's interior journey--her spiritual (which accompanies the corporeal) transformation through contact with the uncorrupted Elves, with the pagan priestesses known as witches and with simple Christians. Her tale acquires an elegiac power, mourning the loss of innocent sources of wisdom even as it vividly imagines them.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Roc (November 7, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451453166
• ISBN-13: 978-0451453167
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #777,578 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Connecting Strands, November 30, 1999

By	R. J. Munoz "riverstone" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It is unfortuante that this book has become difficult to come by. This book was perhaps one of the strongest influences in how I see the world now. The main charecter suffers from the indignant perpective of a victim. Through her cathartic and difficult journey she finds within herself an overflowing wealth of compassion and love. Only after having suffered at the hands of those who seek power over body and thought. The book has been trivialized as Pagan thumping propaganda. However charecters like the priest Kay are endearing in their sincerity. The rest of the series does not fully match the power of the original book. However, the series itself is a journey through the darkest of times and finaly into the light of hope. Ms Baudino reflects the natural tendency of reality to move through cycles, always coming around to the same message. No matter what belief system, no matter what line has been drawn to seperate human from human we are all part of the same matrix of reality. What is done to one person affects not one individual put the entire dance of our world. No action is without consequence ,for the lighter or the darker. Strand by strand we are all connected.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Out of stock? I think I'm going to cry., November 11, 2000

By	"psilonis" (Portland, Maine USA) - See all my reviews

This book is simply magnificent. The characters were involving, and their stories tug at your heartstrings. A spiritual journey of a girl from the Middle Ages, 'Strands of Starlight' combines all of the best aspects of fantasy, history, and character development you can find in modern stories. I've bought this book twice, and both times forced it into someone else's hands so they would have to read it. Coming back now to buy it *again*, I was shocked to see that it's out of stock; of course, I have every intention of being persistent in getting it later. Six or seven copies. I have a new group of friends I want to read it, and I want to have at least one copy for myself.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, December 17, 1999

By	Johanna (Hong Kong, China) - See all my reviews

I picked up this book in a used book-store here in Hong Kong, and it changed my perception of the fantasy world forever...The story has already been described by the other admirers on this page, and I'd just like to say that I agree it's a pity it's so hard to come buy. It is a very, very good book. Not only does it focus on the whole emotional experience of the girl- Miriam- but it also involves you in the situation of the 14th century political work during the Spanish Inquisition. The background is realistic and ultimately draws you in to the darkness of life for the Elves and the Free Towns. Other fantasy novels tend to focus on elves as being a magical, yet superior race that does not intigrate with humans because of their proudness and belief of their Gd's faith in them- in this well-written book we see anoter version of the same mythical race, which was the incentive for ME to read the book. My copy has been worn down to little more than the solid body- the front cover dangels loosely and the backcover is precariously pinned in place, a testiment of how much I like, admire, and enjoy this book. You won't regret reading it if you're that kind of person...