"The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic" is a captivating collection of dark and twisted fairy tales crafted by Leigh Bardugo. Drawing inspiration from various folklore and fairy tale traditions, Bardugo weaves a tapestry of enchanting stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and the power of storytelling. One of the main themes in "The Language of Thorns" is the exploration of the transformative and subversive nature of language and narratives. Throughout the stories, Bardugo emphasizes the power of words and the way they can be used to shape reality and manipulate perception. Whether it is the charming words of a seductive sorceress or the lies of a cunning trickster, language is depicted as a potent tool that can bring about both beauty and destruction. Moreover, the collection also delves into the idea of appearances and the hidden depths beneath them.
The smell of the night
fills my lungs
and I’m lost in a forest
without light,
without hope.
Bats fly over my head
and wolves follow
all the traces of my fear
without end,
without rest.
Two eyes shoot their blueness
against my face
and I lose my soul in a night
trapped by a witch,
closed in a gold jail.
My flesh is just a slave
of her cold touch
and I feel the flames of sin:
save me from cold;
save me from death.
I’m in love with a witch,
her eyes are a cold chain
that wrap my life forever.
She sings with her red lips
a song of lust and perdition.
I drink her lust filled poison
giving my life to the witch
who captured my spirit.
The night is so long and so black
and I’ll be the hungry wolf
walking by the witch’s side.
I constantly lived in a world that vacillated between hiding my insurmountable fear from the real world to self sabotaging to the point of near death. I dove into working with this beautiful teacher and I will always say that he saved me but I know he would want me to say that he helped me to save myself.
Moreover, the collection also delves into the idea of appearances and the hidden depths beneath them. Each story presents a world on the surface that seems familiar and comforting, only to reveal a darker underbelly lurking beneath. Characters that initially appear innocent or virtuous are revealed to be deceitful or untrustworthy, subverting traditional notions of heroes and villains.
When asked why I do what I do I immediately responded, "To help people move through their pain more swiftly than I did."
At the age of 22 I felt as though a literal switch turned off in my brain and I was spiraled into debilitating depression, OCD and anxiety. I knew on a soul level that it was not truly me, yet my brain chose to aggressively hook its talons into its truth. For 19 years I tried everything: therapy, Celexa, Prozac, meditation, yoga, hypnosis. I devoured every self help book possible from neuroscientists to Buddhist monks. I constantly lived in a world that vacillated between hiding my insurmountable fear from the real world to self sabotaging to the point of near death. The days where my mind was at a 4 were survivable but my connection to divine joy and life felt irreparably severed. When I met Malidoma in 2017 something magically shifted in me and I began to remember.
I dove into working with this beautiful teacher and I will always say that he saved me but I know he would want me to say that he helped me to save myself. I am here to tell you that it does not have to take that long. It does not have to be a struggle. Each time I worked with him and continued to connect to Divine Spirit and the magic of Mother Nature I felt a shackled piece of my being set free. I felt the neglected petals of my heart space begin to blossom. I felt the untapped gifts within my DNA become ignited. I felt each mistreated piece of my soul that fled in fear come home to be loved unconditionally. I remembered my soul's tone and relearned how to play it with the passion, skill and commitment of a skilled violinist. I would love to help you remember how to treat your being like the masterpiece that it is.
I would love to witness you learning how to sing the song of your life. I would love to reflect back to you the absolute divinity that you are and how essential you are to all of us. I am grateful for the 19 years of shadows that consumed me for they taught me the absolute brilliance of the light that is the magic of life itself.
This exploration of duality and the complexities of human nature adds depth and nuance to the tales, reinforcing the idea that things are not always as they seem. Furthermore, "The Language of Thorns" also delves into themes of prejudice and discrimination. By drawing on familiar fairy tale motifs, Bardugo explores the dangers of judging others based on appearances or preconceived notions. Characters from different social classes, races, and species are pitted against each other, highlighting the destructive consequences of prejudice and the importance of empathy and understanding. These themes resonate with contemporary issues, making the stories relevant and thought-provoking. In conclusion, "The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic" is a mesmerizing collection that delves into the power of language, the depths beneath appearances, and the dangers of prejudice. Through her masterful storytelling and vivid prose, Leigh Bardugo creates a world that is both enchanting and unsettling, leaving readers both captivated and contemplative..
Reviews for "Decoding the Lyrical Writing Style of 'The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic"
1. Jane - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with "The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic." I had high hopes for this book, as it was highly recommended by a friend. However, the stories fell flat for me. They lacked depth and originality, and the writing felt forced and predictable. I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the book, and it ultimately felt like a chore to finish. Overall, I was expecting more from this collection, and it failed to meet my expectations.
2. Mark - ★★☆☆☆
While "The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic" had some interesting concepts, I found the execution to be lacking. The stories attempted to be dark and enchanting, but they often lacked substance and left me wanting more. The twist endings felt artificial and forced, and I couldn't help but feel let down after each story. The writing itself was decent, but it wasn't enough to salvage the overall experience for me. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this book to others.
3. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I had heard great things about "The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic", but it didn't live up to the hype in my opinion. The stories were beautifully written, but they lacked depth and failed to leave a lasting impression. I found myself losing interest and struggling to connect with the characters and their journeys. While the book had potential, it fell short in delivering compelling narratives. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this collection and wouldn't rate it as a must-read.
4. Peter - ★☆☆☆☆
I found "The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic" to be utterly boring and forgettable. The stories lacked originality and failed to captivate my attention. I didn't feel any emotional connection to the characters, and the plot twists were predictable and uninspiring. The writing was fine, but it couldn't compensate for the lackluster storytelling. I was thoroughly disappointed and regretted spending my time on this book.