In Vassa's neighbourhood, where she lives with her stepmother and bickering stepsisters, one might stumble onto magic, but stumbling out again could become an issue. Babs Yagg, the owner of the local convenience store, has a policy of beheading shoplifters and sometimes innocent shoppers as well. So when Vassa's stepsister sends her out for light bulbs in the middle of night, she knows it could easily become a suicide mission. But Vassa has a bit of luck hidden in her pocket, a gift from her dead mother. Erg is a tough talking wooden doll with sticky fingers, a bottomless stomach, and a ferocious cunning. With Erg's help, Vassa just might be able to break the witch's curse and free her Brooklyn neighbourhood. But Babs won't be playing fair. Inspired by the Russian folktale "Vassilissa the Beautiful" and Sarah Porter's years of experience teaching creative writing to New York City students, Vassa in the Night weaves a dark yet hopeful tale about a young girl's search for home, love, and belonging.
I found out that this book is a retelling of a Russian folktale, so I looked it up. I have to say, I really liked the way Porter incorporated and adapted the original folktale. This story was magical, a little dark, and a lot strange, but quite entertaining. It seems a little confusing at first, but I promise, you get more information which makes things a lot clearer as the story plays out.
Porter did a wonderful job illustrating the magical version of Brooklyn. Her writing was beautiful and lyrical at times, which to me was fitting for this type of story. I liked being part of Vassa's journey -- her journey of self growth, change, and healing. Every time she made progress, I was so proud of her.
Overall - a satisfying dark, strange, heartwarming magical tale.
