This book is beautiful and haunting and hopeful. Set in medieval Russia and bringing the local folklore to life, it is at times both joyful and terrifying. Vasya is unapologetically herself to the chagrin of her family and community, but I love her for it. She can be selfish, but that's needed when you are stifled and oppressed. What takes this to the next level for me is the general atmosphere of the book. I cannot read this book in summertime. It's for dark winter nights and hot cups of tea. I've reread it every winter since I first bought it, and I love it more each time.