Book review - Egg and Spoon

Title: Egg and Spoon
Author: Gregory Maguire
Genre: fantasy
Similar books: Sekret by Lindsay Smith
                     Trollbridge by Jane Yolen
Rating:

It's just so very, very long

Summary: Elena's village is impoverished and dying. The men have all either left in search of work or been conscripted into the Tsar's army. A flood followed by drought means there is little food. The people believe they are doomed. Then a train comes through town. The train carries a noble family on their way to visit the Tsar in St. Petersburg. Elena is determined to follow the train the Tsar's palace so she can appeal to him for help. When Elena accidentally switches places with a member of the family, young Ekaterina, she is sent of on an adventure that will lead her to cross paths with a Prince in disguise, a phoenix, and Baba Yaga herself.
My opinion: Maguire's writing is masterful. The characters are complex. The kids make selfish, naive decisions. They are trapped in a problem that they don't fully understand with no good solution. Baba Yaga is fantastic. Quirky and hilarious, she's more than just a simple "bad guy." Sure she eats children, but she's a vital part of their world just like the other magical elements. And she is just so funny, particularly in her interactions with her cat. I just can't get over the length of this book, especially as it is a dense read. This isn't a book to pick up for some casual entertainment. The narrative style is kind of meandering with a rich sense of description. This is a style that may appeal to some adults but seldom reaches teens.
Advance Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.