CW: Sexual Content ( )

An excellent fantasy with vivid characters and realistic setting. ( )

Maresi (The Red Abbey Chronicles 1) by Maria Turtschaninoff, translated into English by A.
A. Prime (5 stars)

‘Hear her story.
Never forget.’

Maresi is about 13 years old and has been at the Red Abbey for around 4 years when a new girl
arrives, Jai. Jai is a little older than Maresi but she latches onto Maresi - they are two of the
oldest girls at the abbey who have not yet been apprenticed to sisters as novices. Maresi has a
kindly nature and takes care of Jai who arrives frightened, physically scarred and silent, and over
time they become friends.

Most of the girls and women on the island have been sent by their families to escape famine or
persecution and a patriarchal society. In a world where girls and women aren’t allowed an
education or to follow their own path, this island of learning and magic is a haven and a sanctuary.
Jai however has been sent to the island against her violent father’s wishes. She knows he will
hunt her down one day….

I hesitate to apply labels because this book is so much more, but essentially a Finnish feminist
dystopian fantasy for young adults and adults. Turtschaninoff uses traditional female magic lore to
create an incredible community of women and girls; a learning community, protected from the
male-dominated outside world by their island defences and their folklore and mysticism. It’s an
incredible story of friendship, community, courage, education, resilience and kindness. A future
classic I hope. A feature film is in development by Film 4. ( )

Strange, dark and beautiful. The flow of the story was unique... it felt like I was reading a stream of conscious at points. Also the book feels more like a beginning than a full book. I am excited to see what the other books have to offer. ( )

https://www.astridterese.no/2017/11/19/maresi-av-maria-turtschaninoff-kroniker-f... ( )