Strands of Starlight

by Gael Baudino

Book Overview

Miriam is a frail young outcast whose healing powers have branded her a witch in the Inquisition of 14th century Europe. Fleeing her city in search of the Free Towns and acceptance, she is brutally... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451163710
• ISBN13: 9780451163714
• Release Date: November 1989
• Publisher: Ace Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.79 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A world of magic and discovery

Gael Baudino takes you on an adventure that will leave you wanting more. I recieved Strand of Starlight as a gift and fell in love with it the moment I first opened the book. Gael takes you an an adventure between two religions, two ways of life. She introduces us to magic and elfs. You see the conflict between Christianity and "Magic". You will see how a race struggles to survive and thrive in a world that is slowly supressing them. In addition you follow the struggle of a women who it pursucuted, raped and struggles to come to terms with who she really is inside. I recommend this to all people who are facinated by elves, magic, fantasy, etc.!! Also grab the rest of the series!

Out of stock? I think I'm going to cry.

This book is simply magnificent. The characters were involving, and their stories tug at your heartstrings. A spiritual journey of a girl from the Middle Ages, 'Strands of Starlight' combines all of the best aspects of fantasy, history, and character development you can find in modern stories. I've bought this book twice, and both times forced it into someone else's hands so they would have to read it. Coming back now to buy it *again*, I was shocked to see that it's out of stock; of course, I have every intention of being persistent in getting it later. Six or seven copies. I have a new group of friends I want to read it, and I want to have at least one copy for myself.

Fantastic

I picked up this book in a used book-store here in Hong Kong, and it changed my perception of the fantasy world forever...The story has already been described by the other admirers on this page, and I'd just like to say that I agree it's a pity it's so hard to come buy. It is a very, very good book. Not only does it focus on the whole emotional experience of the girl- Miriam- but it also involves you in the situation of the 14th century political work during the Spanish Inquisition. The background is realistic and ultimately draws you in to the darkness of life for the Elves and the Free Towns. Other fantasy novels tend to focus on elves as being a magical, yet superior race that does not intigrate with humans because of their proudness and belief of their Gd's faith in them- in this well-written book we see anoter version of the same mythical race, which was the incentive for ME to read the book. My copy has been worn down to little more than the solid body- the front cover dangels loosely and the backcover is precariously pinned in place, a testiment of how much I like, admire, and enjoy this book. You won't regret reading it if you're that kind of person...

The Connecting Strands

It is unfortuante that this book has become difficult to come by. This book was perhaps one of the strongest influences in how I see the world now. The main charecter suffers from the indignant perpective of a victim. Through her cathartic and difficult journey she finds within herself an overflowing wealth of compassion and love. Only after having suffered at the hands of those who seek power over body and thought. The book has been trivialized as Pagan thumping propaganda. However charecters like the priest Kay are endearing in their sincerity. The rest of the series does not fully match the power of the original book. However, the series itself is a journey through the darkest of times and finaly into the light of hope. Ms Baudino reflects the natural tendency of reality to move through cycles, always coming around to the same message. No matter what belief system, no matter what line has been drawn to seperate human from human we are all part of the same matrix of reality. What is done to one person affects not one individual put the entire dance of our world. No action is without consequence ,for the lighter or the darker. Strand by strand we are all connected.

Alanae a Eltharia, Miryai...

Although it IS hard to get into, and rather patronising in the beginning, it is a wonderful read. Miriam, a young, plain woman is gifted, or in her opinion cursed, with the power to heal. This uncontrolable power eventually lands her in trouble with the inquisition of 1350. She escapes, and on her way to seek her future is raped by a man whom she had just healed. The book takes you through her life after that- how she finds friends only to push them away, the lack of trust, and the burning fire of revenge that motivates her to kill her attacker. A powerful, moving story that is addictive- I've read it several times, each time understanding more of the plot...Full of interesting ideas on 'The Lady' and the Christian Church- a wonderful fantasy novel, truly worthy of your attention.Sword of Justice- Eltieviel- Rainfire