#the city of woven streets

The Weaver (US) / The City of Woven Streets (UK) by Emmi Itäranta

8/10

Do the wlw end up together : Yes

Eliana is a weaver in the House of Webs, one of the more privileged positions on her starkly segmented island. She’s also a secret Dreamer, subject to being taken away and imprisoned in the House of the Tainted if she’s exposed. The sudden appearance of young woman missing her tongue and with Eliana’s name tattooed on her palm draws her into the past of her island and the Council, what they’ve done to cement their rule and what they continue to take from their people. 

Itäranta’s writing is absolutely beautiful to read. Each page has this whimsical feel that almost belies the cruelty on the pages, much as the island pulls a polished veneer over the horror and conspiracy at its heart. It was a little disorienting at the start; there’s no location or historical era ever established nor do I 100% understand the ever-changing webs that Eliana weaves even after finishing. There are just enough otherworldly elements thrown in to put the reader on edge, much like a dream where something is just the tiniest bit off. (I keep wanting to say that the book has “a dream-like quality” but that would be just a bit too cheesy, given the plot). Some readers have classed this as sci-fi rather than fantasy, and it’s definitely in that ambiguous range where it appeals to both, especially if you’re a fan of dystopian fiction à la The Giver. So if you like ancient secrets, breathtaking passages, and women realizing their power in a world that actively denies it, check it out.

Side note: The author wrote the Finnish version simultaneously, published as Kudottujen kujien kaupunki