Sorrow's Knot by Erin Bow

Reading Level: Ages 12 and up
Hardcover: 368 Pages
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Narration: Third Person: Otter
Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal
Series: Stand Alone
Challenge: None
Source: Library

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Goodreads Synopsis:

In the world of Sorrow’s Knot, the dead do not rest easy. Every patch of shadow might be home to something hungry and nearly invisible, something deadly. The dead can only be repelled or destroyed with magically knotted cords and yarns. The women who tie these knots are called binders.

Otter is the daughter of Willow, a binder of great power. She’s a proud and privileged girl who takes it for granted that she will be a binder some day herself. But when Willow’s power begins to turn inward and tear her apart, Otter finds herself trapped with a responsibility she’s not ready for, and a power she no longer wants.

My Review:

DNF. Gave up at page 183. My review only reflects the part of the novel that I read.

The story wasn't completely horrible. As most books do, Sorrow's Knot had its strengths and its weaknesses, However, I do put extra emphasis on the weakness part. On the up side, the theme was original and the writing flowed nicely. However, it's important to note that just because the writing style is poetic and seemingly profound, doesn't mean that it makes sense. On the contrary, it can sound like a whole lot of gibberish. 

Nothing was thoroughly explained in this novel. We were left with half-answers, grasping at straws, wondering what the hell we were supposed to know. Concrete ideas were withheld, and I felt like there were too many contradictions. Either that, or I subconsciously jumped to conclusions, because I wasn't quite sure what to believe. The characters were also very dry and emotionless. There comes a time in the book where one of the characters kills someone by accident. Even if it wasn't on purpose, don't you think the normal response would be to cry or show some outwardly sign of deep remorse? Perhaps, go into a state of shock or horror? Nope. Instead you can just stare blankly at the body while it's being dragged away. 

Another thing that didn't feel realistic was the overall atmosphere of the townspeople. Basically, all they did was stare and whisper to each other conspiratorially. Even when there was a crazy woman in their midst, a woman with the capability of ending all their lives, they just calmly questioned her on what she was doing. Despite the blatantly obvious information right in front of their faces POINTING TO HER UNSTABLE MIND. What kind of society is this? In fact, we don't even get to know anybody in this town, tribe, whatever you want to call it. Well, maybe with the exception of two or three people, but other than that, nothing more than a glimpse of their faces or outwardly appearances.

I never became immersed in this world. There was little action, at least from the portion I managed to get through. I've read from other reviews that it picks up towards the end when the love interest makes a sudden appearance, but sadly, I just can't find it in myself to care. 

This story seriously had a HUGE amount of potential, and it always saddens me to see that potential wasted. I, for one, am completely fascinated by Native American culture and their interactions with nature, which is why I started this with such high hopes. Unfortunately, Sorrow's Knot just....didn't do it for me.

Heroine- 2/5

Romance- N/A

Love interest doesn't enter 

until the latter portion of the book.

Action- 2/5

Dragged, and dragged, and dragged.

Writing- 4/5

Unique and well stylized. However, it does 

make the plot feel slower at times, 

especially in the climatic scenes.
Overall- 2/5