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The House with Chicken Legs
All 12-year-old Marinka wants is a friend. A real friend. Not like her house with chicken legs. Sure, the house can play games like tag and hide-and-seek, but Marinka longs for a human companion. Someone she can talk to and share secrets with.
But that's tough when your grandmother is a Yaga, a guardian who guides the dead into the afterlife. It's even harder when you live in a house that wanders all over the world . . . carrying you with it. Even worse, Marinka is being trained to be a Yaga. That means no school, no parties--and no playmates that stick around for more than a day.
So when Marinka stumbles across the chance to make a real friend, she breaks all the rules . . . with devastating consequences. Her beloved grandmother mysteriously disappears, and it's up to Marinka to find her--even if it means making a dangerous journey to the afterlife.
With a mix of whimsy, humor, and adventure, this debut novel will wrap itself around your heart and never let go.
But that's tough when your grandmother is a Yaga, a guardian who guides the dead into the afterlife. It's even harder when you live in a house that wanders all over the world . . . carrying you with it. Even worse, Marinka is being trained to be a Yaga. That means no school, no parties--and no playmates that stick around for more than a day.
So when Marinka stumbles across the chance to make a real friend, she breaks all the rules . . . with devastating consequences. Her beloved grandmother mysteriously disappears, and it's up to Marinka to find her--even if it means making a dangerous journey to the afterlife.
With a mix of whimsy, humor, and adventure, this debut novel will wrap itself around your heart and never let go.
337 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2018
About the author
Sophie Anderson
8 books893 followersSophie Anderson was born in Swansea, and now lives in the Lake District with her family. Her writing is most often inspired by folk and fairy stories, especially the Slavic tales her Prussian grandmother told her when she was young.
Across her bestselling novels, Sophie has won the Independent Bookshop Book of the Year Award and the Wales Book of the Year Award, and been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal twice, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Blue Peter Book Award, the British Book Awards’ Children’s Fiction Book of the Year, the Andersen Prize, and the Branford Boase Award.
Sophie’s books have been translated into over twenty languages, and The House with Chicken Legs is being adapted for stage by Les Enfants Terribles.
Across her bestselling novels, Sophie has won the Independent Bookshop Book of the Year Award and the Wales Book of the Year Award, and been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal twice, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Blue Peter Book Award, the British Book Awards’ Children’s Fiction Book of the Year, the Andersen Prize, and the Branford Boase Award.
Sophie’s books have been translated into over twenty languages, and The House with Chicken Legs is being adapted for stage by Les Enfants Terribles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,724 reviews
February 12, 2023
Why I chose to listen to this audiobook:
1. the Russian/Ukrainian folktale character of Baba Yaga has always fascinated me, so I added this tale to my WTR list;
2. the audiobook is free via Hoopla; and,
3. February 2023 is my "Books For Young and Old Alike" Month!
Praises:
1. many of the secondary characters had interesting plot lines, but the character of the House on Chicken Legs with its entertaining antics was the most endearing of them all; and,
2. the idea of Baba Yaga as a kind and gentle Guardian of the Gate who leads the dead into the afterlife among the stars was an interesting direction to take with this particular character, but...
Niggles:
1. MC Marinka annoyed me throughout this story! Her constant whining as she bemoans her lot in life could be understandable if her character grew as she learned from her selfish errors when things took a turn for the worse. But nope! Instead, she is eventually rewarded with the best of both worlds, even to the detriment of other beloved characters; and,
2. most disappointing of all was the portrayal of Baba Yaga herself! I expected the Baba Yaga of folklore, an evil witch living deep in the woods in a house standing on chicken legs surrounded by a fence made of human bones who eats children if they venture too close. Instead, author Sophie Anderson changed her personality by 180 degrees! Anderson should have concocted a new persona with a different name instead of using the infamous character of Baba Yaga to draw readers in.
Overall Thoughts:
I felt cheated! A big letdown for me in regards to my expectations of Baba Yaga and of the ungrateful Marinka who gets her way in the end without learning anything from her mistakes.
Recommendation?
If you're familiar with Baba Yaga, you many enjoy this twist to her well-known character; if not, then you won't have the expectations that I did, and this story might suit you fine.
1. the Russian/Ukrainian folktale character of Baba Yaga has always fascinated me, so I added this tale to my WTR list;
2. the audiobook is free via Hoopla; and,
3. February 2023 is my "Books For Young and Old Alike" Month!
Praises:
1. many of the secondary characters had interesting plot lines, but the character of the House on Chicken Legs with its entertaining antics was the most endearing of them all; and,
2. the idea of Baba Yaga as a kind and gentle Guardian of the Gate who leads the dead into the afterlife among the stars was an interesting direction to take with this particular character, but...
Niggles:
1. MC Marinka annoyed me throughout this story! Her constant whining as she bemoans her lot in life could be understandable if her character grew as she learned from her selfish errors when things took a turn for the worse. But nope! Instead, she is eventually rewarded with the best of both worlds, even to the detriment of other beloved characters; and,
2. most disappointing of all was the portrayal of Baba Yaga herself! I expected the Baba Yaga of folklore, an evil witch living deep in the woods in a house standing on chicken legs surrounded by a fence made of human bones who eats children if they venture too close. Instead, author Sophie Anderson changed her personality by 180 degrees! Anderson should have concocted a new persona with a different name instead of using the infamous character of Baba Yaga to draw readers in.
Overall Thoughts:
I felt cheated! A big letdown for me in regards to my expectations of Baba Yaga and of the ungrateful Marinka who gets her way in the end without learning anything from her mistakes.
Recommendation?
If you're familiar with Baba Yaga, you many enjoy this twist to her well-known character; if not, then you won't have the expectations that I did, and this story might suit you fine.
June 29, 2019
When your tbr list is longer than your time on earth, you rarely pick up books just because, but in this case I was at the bookstore, I saw the cover, remembered I saw high ratings for this one and I picked it up. I was not disappointed.
This is a children book, and it reads like that; but it's a good children book, and I am glad I have it so I will read it to my kids some day. I have a thing for stories that have to do with the dead, and here in Latvia we are very familiar with russian culture (incidentally, we also drinks lots of kvass and eat lots of blini), and it seems like recently it has been featured in many books I read and loved (i.e. the bear and the nightingale).
Giving four stars as an adult, but if the child in me would rate this she would give five full stars! I will definetly check out the author's next books.
This is a children book, and it reads like that; but it's a good children book, and I am glad I have it so I will read it to my kids some day. I have a thing for stories that have to do with the dead, and here in Latvia we are very familiar with russian culture (incidentally, we also drinks lots of kvass and eat lots of blini), and it seems like recently it has been featured in many books I read and loved (i.e. the bear and the nightingale).
Giving four stars as an adult, but if the child in me would rate this she would give five full stars! I will definetly check out the author's next books.
November 11, 2018
The possibilities are as endless as the stars.
Like many girls in folk and fairy tales, twelve-year-old Marinka lives in a small house with her grandmother. Marinka's granny, however, is a Yaga, a facilitator who helps the dead pass through the Gate and return to the stars. And, she's training Marinka to be one, too. Every day Marinka tends the bone fence that keeps the living, and every night she lights the skulls to lure the dead to the house where they enjoy their final reception before moving on. She'd rather be a normal young girl; a girl who goes to school, and hangs out with the living instead of the dead. What Marinka really wants more than anything is a friend. But, just when she meets someone who seems to want to hang with her, the house rises up on its chicken legs, and runs off, taking Marinka and her grandmother with it.
This was a fun spin on the old Baba Yaga tale, brimming with magic, suspense, and genuine emotion. From beginning to end, I found this one to be nothing but a delight. I'll be highly recommending the book to both friends and library patrons of all ages.
Like many girls in folk and fairy tales, twelve-year-old Marinka lives in a small house with her grandmother. Marinka's granny, however, is a Yaga, a facilitator who helps the dead pass through the Gate and return to the stars. And, she's training Marinka to be one, too. Every day Marinka tends the bone fence that keeps the living, and every night she lights the skulls to lure the dead to the house where they enjoy their final reception before moving on. She'd rather be a normal young girl; a girl who goes to school, and hangs out with the living instead of the dead. What Marinka really wants more than anything is a friend. But, just when she meets someone who seems to want to hang with her, the house rises up on its chicken legs, and runs off, taking Marinka and her grandmother with it.
This was a fun spin on the old Baba Yaga tale, brimming with magic, suspense, and genuine emotion. From beginning to end, I found this one to be nothing but a delight. I'll be highly recommending the book to both friends and library patrons of all ages.
November 27, 2019
I have always very much enjoyed the Russian (and indeed also pan-Slavic) folktales of Baba Yaga (and the fact that she is such an ambivalent character, containing elements of the mother goddess as both a positive and a negative, as someone who can be both a help and a hinderance and is actually often the guide to the afterlife). And yes, when I read the book description for Sophie Anderson's Middle Grade novel The House With Chicken Legs and realised that her story of Marinka and her Baba (Yaga) does indeed focus not on Baba Yaga as a frightening and cannibalistic witch but on her role as loving and kind guide of the recently deceased back through the gate and to the stars, I knew I absolutely had to read The House With Chicken Legs.
And indeed, what a simply wonderful and superb story! I love how even though The House With Chicken Legs is clearly based on Slavic folklore (and myth) Sophie Anderson's narrative never feels either too simplistic or too stereotypical, that while her main Yaga characters have obviously emerged straight from folklore, they are also never one-sided (as they often do tend to be in fairy and folktales) but finely nuanced with both positive characteristics and character flaws (such as Marinka's Baba, who as a Yaga at first appears as mainly a shining example of the positive and always aware of her duty guide of and for the dead, until we are told and realise that she has actually lied to Marinka about her family and why she lives with Baba, that Marinka is not actually Baba's real granddaughter but a deceased baby who refused to be guided through the gate, was subsequently adopted and is now being raised to become a future Yaga guide). And while I certainly have had my issues and problems with some of Marinka's behaviour and actions throughout The House With Chicken Legs (and that at least at the beginning and until well into the novel, her choices, although I could usually well understand them and very much commiserate, also are at best somewhat selfish and thoughtless and at worst really dangerous and frustrating), I for one simply do adore Marinka's narrative voice and applaud that Sophie Anderson has so realistically portrayed a twelve year old girl upset at and on edge with regard her superimposed "destiny" and future duty of being a Yaga (about which she has really had no say and of course also feels as though everyone is imposing on her and not letting her make that choice for herself).
Now while part of me is actually just a trifle sad and upset that Marinka never does manage to retrieve her Baba from the beyond the gate (through which the latter went with Nina after Marinka, desperate for friendship, had prevented the recently deceased Nina from passing with the other dead, thinking that she could keep her as a friend but not realising that if the dead do not pass through the gate, they fade and become lost souls). But then again and indeed, The House With Chicken Legs is basically the story of Marinka coming to terms with herself, growing up, maturing, and part of that is of course not only taking responsibility for her actions and behaviours, but also realising that her Baba is truly gone, that she cannot come back from the gate (but that she will always be remembered with love and tenderness). And yes, I also and truly believe that one of the main points of The House With Chicken Legs indeed is that Marinka finally manages to both understand and totally appreciate her house with chicken legs (and that this special domicile is a living and breathing companion and support, a true and real friend who will always be there for Marinka and will do almost anything to make her happy, including fusing with the Old Yaga's house into one, and thus in many ways finding a new and equally wonderful Baba for Marinka). Five stars and highly recommended (and yes, every time I read even a few tiny bits of The House With Chicken Legs I also do get hungry for some of the many Russian food delicacies so lovingly and temptingly described by author Sophie Anderson, as well as appreciating how the glossary at the back of The House With Chicken Legs in informative detail describes the foods that Baba Yaga prepares for Marinka and also for the dead, for their last party on earth before returning to the stars, although truth be told, I do wish that Sophie Anderson also had included some actual recipes).
And indeed, what a simply wonderful and superb story! I love how even though The House With Chicken Legs is clearly based on Slavic folklore (and myth) Sophie Anderson's narrative never feels either too simplistic or too stereotypical, that while her main Yaga characters have obviously emerged straight from folklore, they are also never one-sided (as they often do tend to be in fairy and folktales) but finely nuanced with both positive characteristics and character flaws (such as Marinka's Baba, who as a Yaga at first appears as mainly a shining example of the positive and always aware of her duty guide of and for the dead, until we are told and realise that she has actually lied to Marinka about her family and why she lives with Baba, that Marinka is not actually Baba's real granddaughter but a deceased baby who refused to be guided through the gate, was subsequently adopted and is now being raised to become a future Yaga guide). And while I certainly have had my issues and problems with some of Marinka's behaviour and actions throughout The House With Chicken Legs (and that at least at the beginning and until well into the novel, her choices, although I could usually well understand them and very much commiserate, also are at best somewhat selfish and thoughtless and at worst really dangerous and frustrating), I for one simply do adore Marinka's narrative voice and applaud that Sophie Anderson has so realistically portrayed a twelve year old girl upset at and on edge with regard her superimposed "destiny" and future duty of being a Yaga (about which she has really had no say and of course also feels as though everyone is imposing on her and not letting her make that choice for herself).
Now while part of me is actually just a trifle sad and upset that Marinka never does manage to retrieve her Baba from the beyond the gate (through which the latter went with Nina after Marinka, desperate for friendship, had prevented the recently deceased Nina from passing with the other dead, thinking that she could keep her as a friend but not realising that if the dead do not pass through the gate, they fade and become lost souls). But then again and indeed, The House With Chicken Legs is basically the story of Marinka coming to terms with herself, growing up, maturing, and part of that is of course not only taking responsibility for her actions and behaviours, but also realising that her Baba is truly gone, that she cannot come back from the gate (but that she will always be remembered with love and tenderness). And yes, I also and truly believe that one of the main points of The House With Chicken Legs indeed is that Marinka finally manages to both understand and totally appreciate her house with chicken legs (and that this special domicile is a living and breathing companion and support, a true and real friend who will always be there for Marinka and will do almost anything to make her happy, including fusing with the Old Yaga's house into one, and thus in many ways finding a new and equally wonderful Baba for Marinka). Five stars and highly recommended (and yes, every time I read even a few tiny bits of The House With Chicken Legs I also do get hungry for some of the many Russian food delicacies so lovingly and temptingly described by author Sophie Anderson, as well as appreciating how the glossary at the back of The House With Chicken Legs in informative detail describes the foods that Baba Yaga prepares for Marinka and also for the dead, for their last party on earth before returning to the stars, although truth be told, I do wish that Sophie Anderson also had included some actual recipes).
November 6, 2022
Marinka is not a witch, not a fairy, not a sorceress, not a sorceress - Yaga. And what is the main task of this glorious representative of evil spirits? No, not to feed-to drink-in the bathhouse to steam a fellow who wandered in on the occasion of good. These are additional situational functions. And do not cook in the oven the unfortunate Ivashka, stolen by geese-swans. This is pure slander. That is, the children were really "baked" in the oven, there was such a rite: especially icy and dead ones were put on a shovel and brought three times into an already extinct, but still very hot oven. And they say that the ailments retreated after that, the child was growing.
And yet to Yaga. She is the main psychopomp in East Slavic mythology. A guide to the world of the dead, much like Charon in the ancient Greeks. Her figure is closely connected with the world of the dead. Do you remember the nickname "baba yaga-bone leg"? Agree, close to the mistress of the afterlife of Scandinavian mythology, Hel, who is a beautiful girl from above. a skeleton from below? And in Propp Yaga's "Morphology of a fairy Tale" it is the boundary figure: a fence of bones and skulls that surrounds her hut, the idea of turning in a spell appeal: "Hut-hut, turn to me in front. and to the forest backwards" - all these are symbols of the transition to another dimension, far away, beyond the grave.
Englishwoman Sophie Anderson, thanks to the stories of her grandmother, got acquainted with Slavic mythology in early childhood, one of the most beloved was Vasilisa the Beautiful, who copes with the impossible tasks of Baba Yaga to get a skull with burning eyes from her, which will help get rid of the evil stepmother. Growing up and becoming a writer, Sophie turned to the fabulous image that made such a deep impression on her, and she partly copied Marinka from her children, who also do not like restrictions and dream of building their own destiny. The book, by the way, was awarded the Independent Book Awards of Britain, became the Book of the Year in Wells and has been translated into 20 languages.
Повернись ко мне
Живые-мертвые, какая разница? Люди, они и есть люди.
Маринка не ведьма, не фея, не колдунья, не чародейка - Яга. А какова главная задача этой славной представительницы нечисти? Нет, не накормить-напоить-в баньке попарить забредшего по случаю добра молодца. Это уже дополнительно ситуационные функции. И не варить в печи несчастного Ивашку, украденного гусями-лебедями. Это чистой воды поклеп. То есть, в печи деток впрямь "пропекали", был такой обряд: особо ледащих да дохленьких клали на лопату и трижды заносили в уже потухшую, но еще очень горячую печь. И говорят, хвори после этого отступали, шел ребятенок в рост.
А все же к Яге. Она в восточнославянской мифологии главный психопомп. Проводник в мир мертвых, примерно как Харон у древних греков. Ее фигура тесно связана с миром мертвых. Помните прозвище "баба-яга-костяная нога"? Согласитесь, близко к владычице загробного мира скандинавской мифологии Хель, которая сверху прекрасная девушка. снизу скелет? И в "Морфологии волшебной сказки" Проппа яга именно граничная фигура: забор из костей и черепов, который окружает ее избушку, идея поворота в заклинательном обращении: "Избушка-избушка, повернись ко мне передом. а к лесу задом" - все это символы перехода в иное измерение, тридевятое, загробное царство.
Англичанка Софи Андерсон, благодаря рассказам своей бабушки, познакомилась со славянской мифологией в раннем детстве, одной из самых любимых стала Василиса Прекрасная, которая справляется с невозможными поручениями бабы-яги, чтобы получить от нее череп с горящими глазами, который поможет избавиться от злой мачехи. Повзрослев и став писательницей, Софи обратилась к сказочному образу, который произвел на нее такое глубокое впечатление, а Маринку она отчасти списывала со своих детей, которые так же не любят ограничений и мечтают сами строить свою судьбу. Книга, к слову, удостоена Премии независимых книжных Британии, стала Книгой года в Уэлльсе и переведена на 20 языков.
Итак, "Избушка на курьих ножках". Двенадцатилетняя яга-сирота Маринка живет со своей бабушкой в мобильном доме. Сколько избушка простоит на месте неизвестно, может день, может месяц. Придя, она подгибает ноги, так чтобы у случайного прохожего создалось впечатление маленького домика. Впрочем, случайных прохожих поблизости не бывает. Первая обязанность Маринки на новом месте - построить костяной забор с черепами поверху, который не привлекает внимание, а напротив, отводит глаза. Люди не видят его и того, что за ним, потому что им необъяснимым образом не хочется смотреть в ту сторону.
Пока Маринка строит забор, бабушка варит борщ (или уху, или щи - какую-нибудь похлебку). Вечером, когда мертвые начнут входить в избушку, она нальет каждому тарелку, а потом откроются врата и они отправятся к звездам. Нормальная такая, размеренная жизнь, но дети любят играть со сверстниками и отчаянно нуждаются в друзьях, а друзей-то у Маринки как раз и нет, не предполагает их с бабушкой образ жизни обзаведения ими.
Подростковый бунт девочки станет причиной многих испытаний, приведет в ее жизнь множество людей и не только, заставит пережить дружбу, подлинную и мнимую и научит отличать первую от второй.
Хорошая такая история инициации. И напоминание о фольклорной фигуре, незаслуженно отодвинутой в тень зомби, оборотнями, вампирами, ведьмами.
And yet to Yaga. She is the main psychopomp in East Slavic mythology. A guide to the world of the dead, much like Charon in the ancient Greeks. Her figure is closely connected with the world of the dead. Do you remember the nickname "baba yaga-bone leg"? Agree, close to the mistress of the afterlife of Scandinavian mythology, Hel, who is a beautiful girl from above. a skeleton from below? And in Propp Yaga's "Morphology of a fairy Tale" it is the boundary figure: a fence of bones and skulls that surrounds her hut, the idea of turning in a spell appeal: "Hut-hut, turn to me in front. and to the forest backwards" - all these are symbols of the transition to another dimension, far away, beyond the grave.
Englishwoman Sophie Anderson, thanks to the stories of her grandmother, got acquainted with Slavic mythology in early childhood, one of the most beloved was Vasilisa the Beautiful, who copes with the impossible tasks of Baba Yaga to get a skull with burning eyes from her, which will help get rid of the evil stepmother. Growing up and becoming a writer, Sophie turned to the fabulous image that made such a deep impression on her, and she partly copied Marinka from her children, who also do not like restrictions and dream of building their own destiny. The book, by the way, was awarded the Independent Book Awards of Britain, became the Book of the Year in Wells and has been translated into 20 languages.
Повернись ко мне
Живые-мертвые, какая разница? Люди, они и есть люди.
Маринка не ведьма, не фея, не колдунья, не чародейка - Яга. А какова главная задача этой славной представительницы нечисти? Нет, не накормить-напоить-в баньке попарить забредшего по случаю добра молодца. Это уже дополнительно ситуационные функции. И не варить в печи несчастного Ивашку, украденного гусями-лебедями. Это чистой воды поклеп. То есть, в печи деток впрямь "пропекали", был такой обряд: особо ледащих да дохленьких клали на лопату и трижды заносили в уже потухшую, но еще очень горячую печь. И говорят, хвори после этого отступали, шел ребятенок в рост.
А все же к Яге. Она в восточнославянской мифологии главный психопомп. Проводник в мир мертвых, примерно как Харон у древних греков. Ее фигура тесно связана с миром мертвых. Помните прозвище "баба-яга-костяная нога"? Согласитесь, близко к владычице загробного мира скандинавской мифологии Хель, которая сверху прекрасная девушка. снизу скелет? И в "Морфологии волшебной сказки" Проппа яга именно граничная фигура: забор из костей и черепов, который окружает ее избушку, идея поворота в заклинательном обращении: "Избушка-избушка, повернись ко мне передом. а к лесу задом" - все это символы перехода в иное измерение, тридевятое, загробное царство.
Англичанка Софи Андерсон, благодаря рассказам своей бабушки, познакомилась со славянской мифологией в раннем детстве, одной из самых любимых стала Василиса Прекрасная, которая справляется с невозможными поручениями бабы-яги, чтобы получить от нее череп с горящими глазами, который поможет избавиться от злой мачехи. Повзрослев и став писательницей, Софи обратилась к сказочному образу, который произвел на нее такое глубокое впечатление, а Маринку она отчасти списывала со своих детей, которые так же не любят ограничений и мечтают сами строить свою судьбу. Книга, к слову, удостоена Премии независимых книжных Британии, стала Книгой года в Уэлльсе и переведена на 20 языков.
Итак, "Избушка на курьих ножках". Двенадцатилетняя яга-сирота Маринка живет со своей бабушкой в мобильном доме. Сколько избушка простоит на месте неизвестно, может день, может месяц. Придя, она подгибает ноги, так чтобы у случайного прохожего создалось впечатление маленького домика. Впрочем, случайных прохожих поблизости не бывает. Первая обязанность Маринки на новом месте - построить костяной забор с черепами поверху, который не привлекает внимание, а напротив, отводит глаза. Люди не видят его и того, что за ним, потому что им необъяснимым образом не хочется смотреть в ту сторону.
Пока Маринка строит забор, бабушка варит борщ (или уху, или щи - какую-нибудь похлебку). Вечером, когда мертвые начнут входить в избушку, она нальет каждому тарелку, а потом откроются врата и они отправятся к звездам. Нормальная такая, размеренная жизнь, но дети любят играть со сверстниками и отчаянно нуждаются в друзьях, а друзей-то у Маринки как раз и нет, не предполагает их с бабушкой образ жизни обзаведения ими.
Подростковый бунт девочки станет причиной многих испытаний, приведет в ее жизнь множество людей и не только, заставит пережить дружбу, подлинную и мнимую и научит отличать первую от второй.
Хорошая такая история инициации. И напоминание о фольклорной фигуре, незаслуженно отодвинутой в тень зомби, оборотнями, вампирами, ведьмами.
October 31, 2022
„Къщата на кокоши крака“ е една чудесна книга и история, с която поставям финала на книжния си „Halloween 2021“.
Маринка е 12-годишно момиче, което живее с постоянно местеща се магична къща на кокоши крака. Нейната баба е Яга, което прави Маринка потомствена наследница на семейство от Яги (или не съвсем). Всяка вечер Маринка и баба й организират вечеря за мъртвите, които навестяват тяхната къща, протича нещо като празник, а след това съпровождат душите им през Портата към звездите.
И това продължава, докато Маринка не попада на душа, която не желае да премине през Портата и тя решава да я задържи до себе си, за да се сприятелят. Разбира се, това води до сериозни последици, които кардинално изменят света на Маринка такъв, какъвто е бил до този момент.
Отчасти книгата ми напомняше малко на приказката на Андерсен „Елата“ (да кажем като послания), отчасти малко и на „Пинокио“ (като желания). Макар, че се позиционира като детска книга, някои от темите в нея – като загубата на близък; пропуснатите моменти, за които сме казвали не сега, а по-късно, но по-късно така и няма; смятам, че биха се възприели и почувствали далеч по-добре от малко по-големи на възраст читатели, не толкова от децата.
А пък специално за тези на възраст 12-14 години е възможно да им допадне и повече, понеже могат да се съпоставят с преживяванията, терзанията, бунтовете, копнежите и желанията на главната героиня. Забелязах, че авторката е изградила един учудващо достоверен психологически профил на Маринка, напълно характерен за подрастващите в тази възраст, чрез който те лесно могат да открият себе си в нея. Не знам дали авторката е изучавала психология, или просто нещата й тук са се получили по естествен път. (Малко лично отклонение – .
Адмирации и за страхотните илюстрации в книгата, които разкрасяват допълнително цялата пленителна и трогателна история.
Цитати с любими моменти от книгата:
Стр. 212/213 – „Но все се сещам колко жестоко се държаха вчера Салма и Ламия с момчето на пазара.
- Какво не е наред? – повдига вежди Салма.
- Онова момче до сергията на баща ти…
- Плъхчо ли? – разсми��а се Салма. – Не се тревожи за него! Няма да ни досажда.
- Не, не става дума за това, просто… не мислиш ли, че се държа гадно с него? Да го блъснеш така.
Салма зяпва слисано.
- Аз? Да съм била гадна с него? Просто не го познаваш, Маринка. Ужасен е. Просяк и крадец. Такива хора, ако си добър с тях, не те оставят на мира. Трябва да се държиш гадно с тях. Такъв е обичаят тук.
Гледам я все така, неубедена от думите й. Баба се държеше добре с всички, които идваха в къщата. Богати и бедни, красиви и грозни, ухаещи на рози или на мръсотия. На всички даваше храна, провождаше ги еднакво грижовно и всички си тръгваха през една и съща Порта.“
Стр. 291 – „Баба казваше, че не е важно колко дълго, а колко добре ще живееш, и аз си мисля, че може би същото важи и за приятелствата. Не знам колко време ще прекарам с Бенджамин, но ще ценя това време. Ще ми се да бях ценила повече миговете, които прекарвах с Баба. Нито един човек не е твой завинаги. Нищо не е вечно.“
🕸 🎊 🕯 Happy Hall🎃ween 2🎃21 🕯 🎊 🕸
4.5 ⭐ (по принцип е за 4.4, но заради красивите илюстрации я завишавам малко)
P.S. ➡ И специално като за финал:
🎶 Haunted Village Halloween Ambience (3 Hours of Relaxing Spooky Music) 🎶
Маринка е 12-годишно момиче, което живее с постоянно местеща се магична къща на кокоши крака. Нейната баба е Яга, което прави Маринка потомствена наследница на семейство от Яги (или не съвсем). Всяка вечер Маринка и баба й организират вечеря за мъртвите, които навестяват тяхната къща, протича нещо като празник, а след това съпровождат душите им през Портата към звездите.
И това продължава, докато Маринка не попада на душа, която не желае да премине през Портата и тя решава да я задържи до себе си, за да се сприятелят. Разбира се, това води до сериозни последици, които кардинално изменят света на Маринка такъв, какъвто е бил до този момент.
Отчасти книгата ми напомняше малко на приказката на Андерсен „Елата“ (да кажем като послания), отчасти малко и на „Пинокио“ (като желания). Макар, че се позиционира като детска книга, някои от темите в нея – като загубата на близък; пропуснатите моменти, за които сме казвали не сега, а по-късно, но по-късно така и няма; смятам, че биха се възприели и почувствали далеч по-добре от малко по-големи на възраст читатели, не толкова от децата.
А пък специално за тези на възраст 12-14 години е възможно да им допадне и повече, понеже могат да се съпоставят с преживяванията, терзанията, бунтовете, копнежите и желанията на главната героиня. Забелязах, че авторката е изградила един учудващо достоверен психологически профил на Маринка, напълно характерен за подрастващите в тази възраст, чрез който те лесно могат да открият себе си в нея. Не знам дали авторката е изучавала психология, или просто нещата й тук са се получили по естествен път. (Малко лично отклонение – .
Адмирации и за страхотните илюстрации в книгата, които разкрасяват допълнително цялата пленителна и трогателна история.
Цитати с любими моменти от книгата:
Стр. 212/213 – „Но все се сещам колко жестоко се държаха вчера Салма и Ламия с момчето на пазара.
- Какво не е наред? – повдига вежди Салма.
- Онова момче до сергията на баща ти…
- Плъхчо ли? – разсми��а се Салма. – Не се тревожи за него! Няма да ни досажда.
- Не, не става дума за това, просто… не мислиш ли, че се държа гадно с него? Да го блъснеш така.
Салма зяпва слисано.
- Аз? Да съм била гадна с него? Просто не го познаваш, Маринка. Ужасен е. Просяк и крадец. Такива хора, ако си добър с тях, не те оставят на мира. Трябва да се държиш гадно с тях. Такъв е обичаят тук.
Гледам я все така, неубедена от думите й. Баба се държеше добре с всички, които идваха в къщата. Богати и бедни, красиви и грозни, ухаещи на рози или на мръсотия. На всички даваше храна, провождаше ги еднакво грижовно и всички си тръгваха през една и съща Порта.“
Стр. 291 – „Баба казваше, че не е важно колко дълго, а колко добре ще живееш, и аз си мисля, че може би същото важи и за приятелствата. Не знам колко време ще прекарам с Бенджамин, но ще ценя това време. Ще ми се да бях ценила повече миговете, които прекарвах с Баба. Нито един човек не е твой завинаги. Нищо не е вечно.“
🕸 🎊 🕯 Happy Hall🎃ween 2🎃21 🕯 🎊 🕸
4.5 ⭐ (по принцип е за 4.4, но заради красивите илюстрации я завишавам малко)
P.S. ➡ И специално като за финал:
🎶 Haunted Village Halloween Ambience (3 Hours of Relaxing Spooky Music) 🎶
January 3, 2023
*2.75 ~ 3
April 20, 2023
4.5
Volim priče koje su primjerene za uzrast djevojčice koja u meni aktivno živi, pogotovo kada je atmosfera za nju pogodna.
Dvanaestogodišnja Marinka nas je uvela u svoj svijet u kojem sanja o normalnom životu, jer život u kući na kokošjim nogama to nikako nije. Teško je i prijatelja naći kada njezina kuća ne ostaje na istom mjestu dovoljno dugo. Još uz to, Marinkina baka je Baba Jaga, koja vodi umrle s ovoga na onaj svijet. Marinka čezne izbjeći sudbinu Babine nasljednice i sama odabrati što će postati u životu, no ništa ovdje nije jednostavno...
I nije bilo, ni za mene ni za Marinku. U početku sam skroz bila uz djevojčicu i njezine probleme, a onda sam gledajući odraslim očima na trenutak izgubila tu mlađahnu nit i prepoznala sam kako se moje godine iskustva javljaju i njezino me ponašanje počelo ljutiti.
Odrasla osoba se pojavila, ali sam ju uspjela staviti sa strane i doživjeti ovu kratku, jednostavnu, toplu i poučnu priču bez predrasuda i s razumijevanjem. I jako mi se svidjela! Zavoljela sam i Marinku i njezinu Babu i Benka i Čavu i Benjamina i Kuću u kojoj bih jako rado živjela i iskreno, nastavila Babino nasljeđe. Uz suzu sam se na kraju oprostila od svih i poželjela pravu knjigu spremiti na policu dok sam Kindle spremala na noćni ormarić.
„𝑲𝒂𝒅𝒂 𝒃𝒊 𝒔𝒆 𝒋𝒂𝒄̌𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒗𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒂 𝒛̌𝒊𝒗𝒐𝒕𝒖 𝒌𝒐𝒋𝒊 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒔̌ 𝒖𝒎𝒋𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒋𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔̌ 𝒐 𝒛̌𝒊𝒗𝒐𝒕𝒖 𝒌𝒐𝒋𝒊 𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒔̌, 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒎 𝒅𝒂 𝒃𝒊 𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒂 𝒔𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒏𝒊𝒋𝒂.“
Volim priče koje su primjerene za uzrast djevojčice koja u meni aktivno živi, pogotovo kada je atmosfera za nju pogodna.
Dvanaestogodišnja Marinka nas je uvela u svoj svijet u kojem sanja o normalnom životu, jer život u kući na kokošjim nogama to nikako nije. Teško je i prijatelja naći kada njezina kuća ne ostaje na istom mjestu dovoljno dugo. Još uz to, Marinkina baka je Baba Jaga, koja vodi umrle s ovoga na onaj svijet. Marinka čezne izbjeći sudbinu Babine nasljednice i sama odabrati što će postati u životu, no ništa ovdje nije jednostavno...
I nije bilo, ni za mene ni za Marinku. U početku sam skroz bila uz djevojčicu i njezine probleme, a onda sam gledajući odraslim očima na trenutak izgubila tu mlađahnu nit i prepoznala sam kako se moje godine iskustva javljaju i njezino me ponašanje počelo ljutiti.
Odrasla osoba se pojavila, ali sam ju uspjela staviti sa strane i doživjeti ovu kratku, jednostavnu, toplu i poučnu priču bez predrasuda i s razumijevanjem. I jako mi se svidjela! Zavoljela sam i Marinku i njezinu Babu i Benka i Čavu i Benjamina i Kuću u kojoj bih jako rado živjela i iskreno, nastavila Babino nasljeđe. Uz suzu sam se na kraju oprostila od svih i poželjela pravu knjigu spremiti na policu dok sam Kindle spremala na noćni ormarić.
„𝑲𝒂𝒅𝒂 𝒃𝒊 𝒔𝒆 𝒋𝒂𝒄̌𝒆 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒗𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒂 𝒛̌𝒊𝒗𝒐𝒕𝒖 𝒌𝒐𝒋𝒊 𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒔̌ 𝒖𝒎𝒋𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒂 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒋𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔̌ 𝒐 𝒛̌𝒊𝒗𝒐𝒕𝒖 𝒌𝒐𝒋𝒊 𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒔̌, 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒊𝒎 𝒅𝒂 𝒃𝒊 𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒂 𝒔𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒏𝒊𝒋𝒂.“
December 8, 2023
Marinka lives with her grandmother who’s a Yaga, a guardian who guides the dead into the afterlife. They live in a house with chicken legs that’s almost always on the move, looking for dead people. Marinka is being trained to be a Yaga herself. But all Marinka really wants is a friend and a normal life.
This is a really strong and satisfying children’s novel. It’s a journey of self-discovery. A feel-good story about death, in a very imaginative and charming way. And a heartwarming story about friendship. The setting and the world building are very sweet and creative. And the protagonist in particular is hard not to care for.
This is a really strong and satisfying children’s novel. It’s a journey of self-discovery. A feel-good story about death, in a very imaginative and charming way. And a heartwarming story about friendship. The setting and the world building are very sweet and creative. And the protagonist in particular is hard not to care for.
August 15, 2022
It was a beautiful story, not only for children, but also for adults. I surely suggest it to be the next book you'll read.
November 20, 2023
No acabé de conectar con esta historia en ningún momento seguramente por su protagonista que me sacó de quicio desde la primera hasta la última página D:
January 4, 2018
Ohhhh. This book is brimming with real magic and wonder and beauty and heart, and I loved it SO MUCH. Marinka's aching loneliness broke my heart in the beginning, but reading to the perfect ending filled me up with joy. SUCH a wonderful MG fantasy novel! I can't wait to read whatever Sophie Anderson writes next.
November 4, 2018
The House With Chicken Legs was recommended to me as a book that would be just my type, and it hit that mark spot on, it really was just my type. In case you don’t know this, I am really into Russian folklore inspired stories, there’s something about it that just tickles my fancy (and as I read this as part of the Charms Extra Credit Magical Readathon for Rictusempra, a book that tickles you the right way, it fit the bill perfectly).
This book is a middle grade fantasy retelling of the tale of Baba Yaga, and I loved the spin this had! Rather than just the one Baba Yaga, there is a whole Yaga family, spread across the world, helping the dead pass on to the other side. The Yaga’s are not to interact with the living, for each night, they celebrate with the dead.
Our main character is the young Marinka Yaga, living with her grandmother, Baba Yaga, and a Jackdaw named Jack, in their house with chicken legs. Marinka is young, and afraid of having her fate decided for her at such a young age, she wants to be able to take control of her own life, and her own destiny, and have a life with the living. In a way, this is a story of Marinka coming to terms with her life, and making the best of her situation.
Accompanying Marinka, we have her Grandmother, Baba Yaga, who was a really sweet old lady type. She was definitely the type of character who deserves a big cuddle and to be loved and appreciated. She was quirky and fun, and as Marinka’s Grandmother, of course wanted the best for her, but perhaps misunderstood her a little. It was nice to have such a present parental figure in this novel, as I know often those are pretty absent. And in Baba’s absence, we had the ‘Old Yaga’ who also had the Grandmotherly air about her, although she was slightly more mysterious, but also fun and quirky.
Some of the lesser side characters really did annoy me, but I feel they were supposed to, they were more of a plot device and helped Marinka develop her own character, but I could have done without a few of them to be honest with you. I did enjoy the role that the dead played in this, they were all rather friendly, which makes a change from the way ‘ghosts’ or ‘spirits’ are usually presented (a something slightly creepy!).
I absolutely adored the atmosphere this book provided, I felt completely connected to this world. I loved how warm and homely it all was, yet there was a slight eeriness to it, with the strong presence of the dead. There was quite a strong focus on the homely setting, and I think this came through really well, it made me feel right so comfortable reading it, like I belonged between those pages. The various settings of the book also projected a strong atmosphere to me, they visit the ocean at one point, and I loved how this was presented, I could sense the waves lapping at their feet, it was delightful.
I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone by talking about the plot in too much depth, but I did like it. It was fast paced and heartwarming, a tale of a young girl coming to terms with her life and her fate, but also making it her own. I loved the way this wrapped up and the conclusion we reached, it was truly satisfying. But I don’t want to spoil that for you.
As this is a middle grade novel, the writing was very simplistic and easy to follow. I didn’t see anything particularly noteworthy in the writing style myself, but that’s not a bad thing at all. The writing flowed nicely, and I was carried through the story with ease, I’d say that’s a relatively positive note.
I really did enjoy this story, although there were certainly moments when Marinka would anger me with her silly choices, but at the same time we must remember that she’s a 12 year old girl having her fate forced upon her, she’s bound to make some poor choices. Despite that, I still felt for her. Some of the side characters may have annoyed me, but it all aided Marika’s growth, so certainly worth it.
Overall, a decent 4* read for me, the overall winning factor being the twist on the Baba Yaga story, and the personality of the Chicken House - I had a fun time with this, and I read for fun if you didn’t know!
This book is a middle grade fantasy retelling of the tale of Baba Yaga, and I loved the spin this had! Rather than just the one Baba Yaga, there is a whole Yaga family, spread across the world, helping the dead pass on to the other side. The Yaga’s are not to interact with the living, for each night, they celebrate with the dead.
Our main character is the young Marinka Yaga, living with her grandmother, Baba Yaga, and a Jackdaw named Jack, in their house with chicken legs. Marinka is young, and afraid of having her fate decided for her at such a young age, she wants to be able to take control of her own life, and her own destiny, and have a life with the living. In a way, this is a story of Marinka coming to terms with her life, and making the best of her situation.
Accompanying Marinka, we have her Grandmother, Baba Yaga, who was a really sweet old lady type. She was definitely the type of character who deserves a big cuddle and to be loved and appreciated. She was quirky and fun, and as Marinka’s Grandmother, of course wanted the best for her, but perhaps misunderstood her a little. It was nice to have such a present parental figure in this novel, as I know often those are pretty absent. And in Baba’s absence, we had the ‘Old Yaga’ who also had the Grandmotherly air about her, although she was slightly more mysterious, but also fun and quirky.
Some of the lesser side characters really did annoy me, but I feel they were supposed to, they were more of a plot device and helped Marinka develop her own character, but I could have done without a few of them to be honest with you. I did enjoy the role that the dead played in this, they were all rather friendly, which makes a change from the way ‘ghosts’ or ‘spirits’ are usually presented (a something slightly creepy!).
I absolutely adored the atmosphere this book provided, I felt completely connected to this world. I loved how warm and homely it all was, yet there was a slight eeriness to it, with the strong presence of the dead. There was quite a strong focus on the homely setting, and I think this came through really well, it made me feel right so comfortable reading it, like I belonged between those pages. The various settings of the book also projected a strong atmosphere to me, they visit the ocean at one point, and I loved how this was presented, I could sense the waves lapping at their feet, it was delightful.
I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone by talking about the plot in too much depth, but I did like it. It was fast paced and heartwarming, a tale of a young girl coming to terms with her life and her fate, but also making it her own. I loved the way this wrapped up and the conclusion we reached, it was truly satisfying. But I don’t want to spoil that for you.
As this is a middle grade novel, the writing was very simplistic and easy to follow. I didn’t see anything particularly noteworthy in the writing style myself, but that’s not a bad thing at all. The writing flowed nicely, and I was carried through the story with ease, I’d say that’s a relatively positive note.
I really did enjoy this story, although there were certainly moments when Marinka would anger me with her silly choices, but at the same time we must remember that she’s a 12 year old girl having her fate forced upon her, she’s bound to make some poor choices. Despite that, I still felt for her. Some of the side characters may have annoyed me, but it all aided Marika’s growth, so certainly worth it.
Overall, a decent 4* read for me, the overall winning factor being the twist on the Baba Yaga story, and the personality of the Chicken House - I had a fun time with this, and I read for fun if you didn’t know!
April 30, 2018
A beautifully written, timeless and moving tale with a fairy tale feel. I especially loved the characterful house and Jack, the jackdaw. Anderson’s love of Slavic folklore and her own heritage shines through on every page. The book itself is also a joy to behold, with its beautiful cover and interior illustrations to set the mood.
This is a story which focuses on the importance of shaping our own futures and cherishing life, as well as grief and letting go. I found myself moved to tears several times, but in a good way. Anderson handles the important but difficult subject of death and the cycle of life masterfully, and in a way that brings comfort and celebrates the lives of those who have passed on. As someone who is recently bereaved, this story brought me comfort and emphasises that those we love will always live on through our memories.
This is a story which focuses on the importance of shaping our own futures and cherishing life, as well as grief and letting go. I found myself moved to tears several times, but in a good way. Anderson handles the important but difficult subject of death and the cycle of life masterfully, and in a way that brings comfort and celebrates the lives of those who have passed on. As someone who is recently bereaved, this story brought me comfort and emphasises that those we love will always live on through our memories.
June 25, 2019
I really wanted to love this one. The synopsis was really interesting but sadly too much things made me dislike it and I had a really hard time finishing it. First of all, it's been a long time I didn't loathe a main character that much. Marinka is twelve years old (even thirteen in the middle of the book if I remember correctly) but she acts like she is seven. She is selfish, so naive at some point we can say it's stupidity. Marinka is the cause of almost every bad thing happening in this book and being a child doesn't mean have the rights to do what you want and always getting out of it so easily. Moreover, there is not a lot happening and I was often bored by the slow pace. At least, the writing was good.
May 14, 2020
This was so so so good. If you love russian folklore mixed with that dark witchy atmosphere this is the perfect book for you. I absolutely devoured this book, i couldn't stop reading about it. Baba Yaga always captured me so obviously when I saw this book I immediately added it to my tbr. I am so happy the Yaga part was so present, it was fascinating.
It tackled light and dark themes so well, always in a respectful and really well researched way. You can see the author actually went deeper and I totally appreciated that.
I had so much fun with this novel, you get the Baba Yaga retelling but it's so much more than that. There's an important theme of fitting/non fitting with others and that it's okay to be different.
I love the found family in this book, there are more than once and it's always something that touches my heart.
It tackled light and dark themes so well, always in a respectful and really well researched way. You can see the author actually went deeper and I totally appreciated that.
I had so much fun with this novel, you get the Baba Yaga retelling but it's so much more than that. There's an important theme of fitting/non fitting with others and that it's okay to be different.
I love the found family in this book, there are more than once and it's always something that touches my heart.
November 12, 2021
The main character Marinka was annoying and self-centred and unwilling to take responsibility for her poor choices and their outcomes, till about 90-95% of the way into the book, at which point I liked her. I realize she was only twelve so her lack of maturity and responsibility were necessary to show her evolution by the end of the book, but it was difficult for me to feel patient with her (maybe because I’ve met plenty of kids that age who were much more responsible than Marinka was.)
Anyway, I liked the jackdaw a lot, and was reminded of the afterlife Lirael saw in Garth Nix’s “Lirael” when Marinka went there, and the chicken legs reminded me of Studio Ghibli’s version of Howl’s Moving Castle, so this book was somewhat derivative. ==> 3 stars.
I LOVED the cover by Red Nose Studios ==> 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 stars.
Anyway, I liked the jackdaw a lot, and was reminded of the afterlife Lirael saw in Garth Nix’s “Lirael” when Marinka went there, and the chicken legs reminded me of Studio Ghibli’s version of Howl’s Moving Castle, so this book was somewhat derivative. ==> 3 stars.
I LOVED the cover by Red Nose Studios ==> 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 stars.
April 2, 2022
3.5 ✨
Reread 4.5✨
Reread 4.5✨
April 8, 2023
Einigen wird das Haus auf Hühnerbeinen bekannt sein: es gehört zur slawischen Mythologie, bei der eine Art Hexe oder Waldfrau in diesem Haus lebt und es auch nicht verlassen kann, da sie damit verbunden ist. Sie gehört zur "dreifaltigen Göttin" und spiegelt hier die alte Frau wider, die für den Tod und die Wiedergeburt zuständig ist.
Soweit hat Sophie Anderson tatsächlich auch alles übernommen, aber auch viele eigene originelle Ideen mit einfließen lassen. Denn die 12jährige Marinka wohnt bei der alten Baba Yaga, die ihre Großmutter ist. Ihr Leben besteht darin, die Toten des nachts zu begrüßen, ihnen ein letztes Festmahl zu bereiten, ihnen zuzuhören und sie auf ihrem letzten Weg zu den Sternen zu geleiten. Sie ist also eine Art Wächterin des Tores, das die Toten durchschreiten müssen.
Darüber sollte man sich im Klaren sein - gerade auch für Kinder - dass es hier viel um das Sterben und die Toten geht. Aber auf eine sehr liebevolle, sorgsame Weise, die mich nicht traurig, sondern hoffnungsfroh gemacht hat und für das Alter entsprechend wirklich sehr einfühlsam erzählt ist.
I love her ability to make everyone feel at ease. The dead come here lost and confused, but they leave calm and peaceful and ready for their journey.
Zitat Seite 16
Marinka allerdings kann sich so gar nicht mit ihrem Schicksal abfinden! Eingesperrt in das Haus, den ein kleiner Garten umgibt mit einem Zaun aus Knochen und Gebeinen, träumt sie von einem Leben unter den Lebenden. Sie möchte in die Städte, von denen sie nachts immer nur die vielen Lichter sieht, möchte andere Kinder treffen, in der Schule etwas lernen, spielen und einfach frei sein zu tun, was sie möchte.
Doch das Haus bleibt nie lange genug an einem Platz und wandert auf seinen staksigen Hühnerbeinen von Ort zu Ort, um die Toten zu empfangen.
Außerdem muss es vor den Lebenden verborgen bleiben und die Gerüchte um die "menschenfressende Hexe", die in solche einem Haus wohnt, sind natürlich auch Marinka bekannt.
Das alles ändert sich, als Marinka zufällig Benjamin trifft und sie sich zum ersten Mal über die strenge Regel hinwegsetzt, das schützende Haus zu verlassen. Dieses Gefühl, die Regeln zu brechen und damit ihr Schicksal zu beeinflussen, löst eine Welle an Ereignissen aus!
Ihr ganzer Frust und Ärger über die vielen Ungerechtigkeiten lässt Marinka dann schließlich Entscheidungen treffen, deren Konsequenzen ihr nicht bewusst sind und die sie schließlich auf einen Weg führen, der ihr viel Mut und Überwindung abverlangt.
Hier haben wir ein wunderschönes Beispiel am Erwachsenwerden. Zum einen den kindlichen Wunsch, zu spielen, sich anzupassen und den anderen zu gleichen - im Gegenzug aber auch die zunehmende Verantwortung für sich selber, der Wunsch nach Eigenständigkeit und die Suche nach etwas, einer Aufgabe, die ihr Leben erfüllt.
Dabei macht sie einige Dummheiten, aber wer macht das nicht? Wichtig ist, was sie daraus lernt - und das wurde mit viel Achtsamkeit und Reflexion in die Geschichte mit eingewoben.
Marinka ringt lange mit sich und ihrem Gewissen, fühlt sich ihrem Schicksal ausgeliefert und in ihren Ängsten allein gelassen ... begreift aber immer mehr, dass vieles anders ist, als sie dachte und das Veränderungen der Lauf der Welt sind.
Nothing is for ever. Everything moves on; the living, the dead, the house.
Zitat Seite 78
Ihre Vorstellungen und Träume sind das eine - die Realität das andere. Eine Erkenntnis die man auch als Erwachsener immer wieder neu entdecken muss und das alte Sprichwort so wahr macht: dass man sich genau überlegen sollte, was man sich wünscht.
Über den Schreibstil kann ich nicht wirklich viel sagen - dafür ist mein Englisch noch zu schlecht - aber ich fand es sehr angenehm zu lesen und hatte den Eindruck, dass es auch mit viel Liebe geschrieben worden ist. Ein bisschen wiederholt haben sich Marinkas Gedanken zu ihren Zweifeln, aber das nur so am Rande.
Übrigens gibt es auch schöne kleine Zeichnungen zu einigen Szenen in der Geschichte, die mir sehr gefallen haben und die die Stimmung immer perfekt unterstrichen. Am Ende des Buches gibt es noch ein Glossar über die
Mit diesem schönen Zitat möchte ich meine Rezension beschließen:
My destiny is undecided, and that´s how I like it. The possibilities ar as endless as the stars.
Zitat
Weltenwanderer
Soweit hat Sophie Anderson tatsächlich auch alles übernommen, aber auch viele eigene originelle Ideen mit einfließen lassen. Denn die 12jährige Marinka wohnt bei der alten Baba Yaga, die ihre Großmutter ist. Ihr Leben besteht darin, die Toten des nachts zu begrüßen, ihnen ein letztes Festmahl zu bereiten, ihnen zuzuhören und sie auf ihrem letzten Weg zu den Sternen zu geleiten. Sie ist also eine Art Wächterin des Tores, das die Toten durchschreiten müssen.
Darüber sollte man sich im Klaren sein - gerade auch für Kinder - dass es hier viel um das Sterben und die Toten geht. Aber auf eine sehr liebevolle, sorgsame Weise, die mich nicht traurig, sondern hoffnungsfroh gemacht hat und für das Alter entsprechend wirklich sehr einfühlsam erzählt ist.
I love her ability to make everyone feel at ease. The dead come here lost and confused, but they leave calm and peaceful and ready for their journey.
Zitat Seite 16
Marinka allerdings kann sich so gar nicht mit ihrem Schicksal abfinden! Eingesperrt in das Haus, den ein kleiner Garten umgibt mit einem Zaun aus Knochen und Gebeinen, träumt sie von einem Leben unter den Lebenden. Sie möchte in die Städte, von denen sie nachts immer nur die vielen Lichter sieht, möchte andere Kinder treffen, in der Schule etwas lernen, spielen und einfach frei sein zu tun, was sie möchte.
Doch das Haus bleibt nie lange genug an einem Platz und wandert auf seinen staksigen Hühnerbeinen von Ort zu Ort, um die Toten zu empfangen.
Außerdem muss es vor den Lebenden verborgen bleiben und die Gerüchte um die "menschenfressende Hexe", die in solche einem Haus wohnt, sind natürlich auch Marinka bekannt.
Das alles ändert sich, als Marinka zufällig Benjamin trifft und sie sich zum ersten Mal über die strenge Regel hinwegsetzt, das schützende Haus zu verlassen. Dieses Gefühl, die Regeln zu brechen und damit ihr Schicksal zu beeinflussen, löst eine Welle an Ereignissen aus!
Ihr ganzer Frust und Ärger über die vielen Ungerechtigkeiten lässt Marinka dann schließlich Entscheidungen treffen, deren Konsequenzen ihr nicht bewusst sind und die sie schließlich auf einen Weg führen, der ihr viel Mut und Überwindung abverlangt.
Hier haben wir ein wunderschönes Beispiel am Erwachsenwerden. Zum einen den kindlichen Wunsch, zu spielen, sich anzupassen und den anderen zu gleichen - im Gegenzug aber auch die zunehmende Verantwortung für sich selber, der Wunsch nach Eigenständigkeit und die Suche nach etwas, einer Aufgabe, die ihr Leben erfüllt.
Dabei macht sie einige Dummheiten, aber wer macht das nicht? Wichtig ist, was sie daraus lernt - und das wurde mit viel Achtsamkeit und Reflexion in die Geschichte mit eingewoben.
Marinka ringt lange mit sich und ihrem Gewissen, fühlt sich ihrem Schicksal ausgeliefert und in ihren Ängsten allein gelassen ... begreift aber immer mehr, dass vieles anders ist, als sie dachte und das Veränderungen der Lauf der Welt sind.
Nothing is for ever. Everything moves on; the living, the dead, the house.
Zitat Seite 78
Ihre Vorstellungen und Träume sind das eine - die Realität das andere. Eine Erkenntnis die man auch als Erwachsener immer wieder neu entdecken muss und das alte Sprichwort so wahr macht: dass man sich genau überlegen sollte, was man sich wünscht.
Über den Schreibstil kann ich nicht wirklich viel sagen - dafür ist mein Englisch noch zu schlecht - aber ich fand es sehr angenehm zu lesen und hatte den Eindruck, dass es auch mit viel Liebe geschrieben worden ist. Ein bisschen wiederholt haben sich Marinkas Gedanken zu ihren Zweifeln, aber das nur so am Rande.
Übrigens gibt es auch schöne kleine Zeichnungen zu einigen Szenen in der Geschichte, die mir sehr gefallen haben und die die Stimmung immer perfekt unterstrichen. Am Ende des Buches gibt es noch ein Glossar über die
Mit diesem schönen Zitat möchte ich meine Rezension beschließen:
My destiny is undecided, and that´s how I like it. The possibilities ar as endless as the stars.
Zitat
Weltenwanderer
March 10, 2019
A fantastical, adorable middle-grade with a unique world and perfectly flawed characters. I especially enjoyed how a bird, a sheep, and a house managed to steal my heart and pick up my mood. This is a perfect weekend read, and is a great book for kids to dive into if they want to get a taste for fantasy.
April 19, 2020
This was so charming. If you love middle grade this is an absolute must!!!
January 19, 2019
This will probably seem weird, but this book really bummed me out. It took me a minute to figure out why this book left me feeling so down and I realized it’s because of Marinka.
The MC is selfish, spoiled, rude, and entitled. At times her attitude is downright cruel. I bought this book for my class library but I’m not sure I can put it out because I loathe Marinka so much.
It’s disappointing because other parts are fantastic. I absolutely adore House. (The way Marinka treats House is partly why I couldn’t stand her.) Who wouldn’t love a House on giant chicken legs that runs you around the world, plays games with you, grows you rooms and loves you? Marinka definitely does not deserve House.
I also loved the take on Babas and how they guide the dead. I thought it was sweet and lovely.
I loved the places they visited, I loved the other Yagas, I loved Benjamin- I basically loved everything except Marinka. Marinka’s story reinforces the idea that you can be a little shit and still get everything you want, no matter who is hurt in the process. I’m pretty sure the author was going for the moral that you should learn to appreciate what you have but that’s not what stood out.
I don’t think I could ever recommend this to anyone. I wish we had this setting with a different MC and plot.
The MC is selfish, spoiled, rude, and entitled. At times her attitude is downright cruel. I bought this book for my class library but I’m not sure I can put it out because I loathe Marinka so much.
It’s disappointing because other parts are fantastic. I absolutely adore House. (The way Marinka treats House is partly why I couldn’t stand her.) Who wouldn’t love a House on giant chicken legs that runs you around the world, plays games with you, grows you rooms and loves you? Marinka definitely does not deserve House.
I also loved the take on Babas and how they guide the dead. I thought it was sweet and lovely.
I loved the places they visited, I loved the other Yagas, I loved Benjamin- I basically loved everything except Marinka. Marinka’s story reinforces the idea that you can be a little shit and still get everything you want, no matter who is hurt in the process. I’m pretty sure the author was going for the moral that you should learn to appreciate what you have but that’s not what stood out.
I don’t think I could ever recommend this to anyone. I wish we had this setting with a different MC and plot.
July 24, 2023
This was cute, but also quite unsatisfying? There was enough to the story that kept me interested, but by the end I felt quite underwhelmed because it lacked the emotional punch I was expecting. The main character doesn't really have any growth and the magic wasn't all that fascinating. The plot itself felt very incohesive and all over the place.
June 20, 2018
Not exactly what I was expecting but this was a beautiful take on Baba Yaga, it got me right in the feels!
RTC
RTC
February 21, 2020
The House With Chicken Legs is a middle grade fantasy book following Marinka, a girl whose house has chicken legs and never settles down, making it impossible for her to have real, living, human friends. But Marinka has an important role: she is Baba Yaga's nephew, and she must learn to help the dead pass the Gate in her chicken-legged house.
I picked up this book because it offers a really interesting twist on Baba Yaga's fairytale, and I wasn't disappointed by that aspect. Baba Yaga is not a terrifying witch, she's a misunderstood grandmother, and the house is a character itself - probably my favorite character in the book.
I love seeing books inspired by Russian folklore, especially when Baba Yaga and her house are involved, so I really liked the premise of the story and its (moving) setting. I mean, who doesn't want to read about a house with chicken legs surrounded by a fence of bones?
The House With Chicken Legs is a heartwarming story about grief and growing up. It had an interesting plot with some twists I didn't anticipate, and I liked its themes and message, but I was a bit disappointed by the pacing - this book got somewhat repetitive in the middle and Marinka wasn't that interesting as a character. I feel like I would have loved this book if I had read it in middle school, however, so I still recommend it to its target audience.
(I have to say that I could have done without the North African Mean Girls Scene, though).
I picked up this book because it offers a really interesting twist on Baba Yaga's fairytale, and I wasn't disappointed by that aspect. Baba Yaga is not a terrifying witch, she's a misunderstood grandmother, and the house is a character itself - probably my favorite character in the book.
I love seeing books inspired by Russian folklore, especially when Baba Yaga and her house are involved, so I really liked the premise of the story and its (moving) setting. I mean, who doesn't want to read about a house with chicken legs surrounded by a fence of bones?
The House With Chicken Legs is a heartwarming story about grief and growing up. It had an interesting plot with some twists I didn't anticipate, and I liked its themes and message, but I was a bit disappointed by the pacing - this book got somewhat repetitive in the middle and Marinka wasn't that interesting as a character. I feel like I would have loved this book if I had read it in middle school, however, so I still recommend it to its target audience.
(I have to say that I could have done without the North African Mean Girls Scene, though).
February 17, 2021
I really liked the setting, world, and lore created. I enjoyed reading it but I found Marinka a bit whiny. I kept reminding myself that she's 12/13 and if it was me at that age I would be a hot mess, but I don't know, it seemed excessive and went on for most of the book. Overall, I did like it. I just wish it focused more on the Yagas and less on Marinka whining about everything.
August 21, 2022
Slatko ali suviše detinjasto za moj ukus.
September 19, 2021
I love fairy tales of all kinds, and anything that deals with Baba Yaga has to be good right?
In theory this should be a grand adventure about a girl who's grown up thinking she's a Yaga, yearning for more to life and deeper connections beyond the one night she and her grandmother get to share with the dead before they pass on, and how she deals with the knowledge that she's been lied to about her identity her whole "life."
However, what we got was a first person narration (which I was not expecting, and don't really enjoy, unless I know going in it's set up in a diary or memoir format) of the Giving Tree, where Marinka was the Boy (always wanting more) and the Yaga house the Tree - she even damaged the chicken legs because she wrapped them in wire to keep the house in place so she could hang out with two awful girls. At the end - after Marinka's grandmother has to sacrifice herself to save a dead soul due to Marinka's selfishness, Marinka has tricked the Yaga House and all the other Yagas, and the Yaga House has gifted her with LIFE and is now carrying the dead/retired house of Yaga Tatiana forever now- Marinka is finally happy.
I don't know, if we look at the theme/moral from Marinka's perspective as keep striving for what you want no matter what and everything will work out fine, then it's fine I guess? But if we look at it from the Yaga House's perspective, the moral is "do everything so eventually she'll realize that you're the best thing in her life and she loves you," and that's abusive. Maybe I'm being too hard on Marinka, but I've been at points in my life where I've thought if everything stayed the way it was I would suffocate/explode, but in a lot of those situations I had to accept things the way they were and simply move on (emotionally, and sometimes geographically).
In theory this should be a grand adventure about a girl who's grown up thinking she's a Yaga, yearning for more to life and deeper connections beyond the one night she and her grandmother get to share with the dead before they pass on, and how she deals with the knowledge that she's been lied to about her identity her whole "life."
However, what we got was a first person narration (which I was not expecting, and don't really enjoy, unless I know going in it's set up in a diary or memoir format) of the Giving Tree, where Marinka was the Boy (always wanting more) and the Yaga house the Tree - she even damaged the chicken legs because she wrapped them in wire to keep the house in place so she could hang out with two awful girls. At the end - after Marinka's grandmother has to sacrifice herself to save a dead soul due to Marinka's selfishness, Marinka has tricked the Yaga House and all the other Yagas, and the Yaga House has gifted her with LIFE and is now carrying the dead/retired house of Yaga Tatiana forever now- Marinka is finally happy.
I don't know, if we look at the theme/moral from Marinka's perspective as keep striving for what you want no matter what and everything will work out fine, then it's fine I guess? But if we look at it from the Yaga House's perspective, the moral is "do everything so eventually she'll realize that you're the best thing in her life and she loves you," and that's abusive. Maybe I'm being too hard on Marinka, but I've been at points in my life where I've thought if everything stayed the way it was I would suffocate/explode, but in a lot of those situations I had to accept things the way they were and simply move on (emotionally, and sometimes geographically).
August 25, 2019
This book is a sweet and adventurous fantasy fiction story. This book is about a girl named Marinka, whose dreams and aspirations are bound by the fact that she is of magical ancestry and is forbidden to ever speak to a human or interact with them. She isn't allowed to step outside the skeleton fence which she labours hard to rebuild every few days because it keeps humans from wandering within the boundaries of magical houses like Marinka's. Although these are limitations, Marinka doesn't stop trying over and over again to be free of what she thinks is a fate that dooms her to live life in a way that she thinks won't allow her to be happy. This book beautifully conveys the message that anyone can fulfil their dream in a special way if they put themselves to it.
June 5, 2019
A beautifully written, heartwarming tale of love, hope, courage and grief. Joyous, uplifting and thought-provoking - a modern classic.
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