Fans of Jean Auel will love this series that began with Picture Maker, a book called "an absorbing adventure tale...brought to life through the eyes of [Spinka's] courageous heroine", Library Journalcrowned it "absolutely fascinating." Publishers Weeklycalled Picture Maker "an absorbing adventure tale...brought to life through the eyes of [Spinka's] courageous heroine." Library Journalcrowned it "absolutely fascinating." Now Penina Keen Spinka once again sweeps readers back nearly a thousand years...to a time when the Vikings crossed the vast oceans in search of a new homeland, and a place--the majestic wilds of North America--bitterly divided by blood and war. In the four years since Picture Maker and her loved ones were driven north, many changes have come to a people and a land. The long, arduous journey that took Picture Maker from a young Indian separated from her tribe to a bride of Halvard has come to an end. It falls to Halvard and their daughter, Ingrid, an emerging woman, to return to Greenland and reclaim their home. Here, their Norse traditions are rejected by the newly Christian community, where an infestation of beautiful rare butterflies has resulted in plunder and bloodshed. Forced to wander once more, the family takes refuge with the Inuits, who have proven to be allies in the past. But Ingrid, answering the powerful call of her mother's blood, soon embarks on another journey-one that takes her to a far-off land, where her true destiny awaits. Breathtaking in scope and historical detail, this is a sprawling adventure in the grand tradition of Jean M. Auel and Jane Smiley by a gifted author who writes "unique and remarkable stories" (Anna Lee Waldo, author of Circle of Stonesand Sacajawea).
I was very surprized reading the other reviews of Picture Maker and Dream Weaver, there were so many critical of what I found to be a very good book. However, I would advise reading BOTH books together as I found them to be really one long story, Dream Weaver is actually the end of the story. While similar in ways to the Clan of the Cave Bear as mentioned in another review, I did not find the similarities annoying and the setting and outcome were certainly different. I found the clash of cultures encountered by the young women in the story very well described and you cannot help but empathize and relate to the characters, who I felt were very well-developed. While I do not personally know how accurate the history is in these pages, I think it opens the mind to what life was truly like centuries ago and is a great read.
dream weaver
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Could not put this book down. Then I had to order Picture Maker. Can't wait for next book.
Dream Weaver
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
"Dream Weaver" by Penina Spinka is a marvelous adventure. It is the second book of a wonderful trilogy. The book was not a quick read, because it needed savoring.Besides adventure, there is (partial list) romance, magic, Norsemen & women, Inuit eskimos, shaman magic, corrupt priests, hardship, love, triumph, and history. This is excellent writing with wonderful imagery and interesting, complex relationships.I recommend reading "Picture Maker", the first book of the trilogy, as well. It is not necessary to read the first book first, although that may be pleasant. Just read them both!Thank you, Ms. Spinka; you did it again, now do it again! I shall watch for the third book to debut with great anticipation.
Dream Weaver
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
The portrayal of a Native American called Ingrid is fascinating. As part Cherokee, and interested in fiction of early America, I was not aware of the extent to which other groups had reached into northeastern Canada and Greenland. A lot of realism! The detailed description of Ingrid's journey and the interaction with her father and stepbrothers illustrates interesting pre-Columbian local tribal customs about family values. It was interesting how fifeteen century European priests tried to transform her paganism to their beliefs. It made her seem mature, more independent, and I found myself relating to the character. I found Dream Weaver's story so clearly that I finished it in two evenings. It was hard to put down! The work, to me, ranks favorably with my other recommended readings that include Linda Shuler, Sue Harrison, Lynn McKee and Jean Auel. Looking forward to the next book.
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