I also really enjoyed the folklore elements. I found that this made the human-animal struggle feel plausible, that the words were there but something held them back.

I found the White Bear’s parts to be fascinating, because for most of the book, he speaks in poetry. The story weaves the narratives of Rose, the Troll Queen, and the White Bear together. Well, the three dresses that Rose weaves (of gold, silver, and moonlight) reminds me of the tale Allerleirauh, while the Troll Queen’s obsession with the White Bear reminds me of the Snow Queen from (although the Troll Queen has more intense feelings). I mentioned that this story had touches of others. But just before her stay is over, her curiosity gets the better of her and she accidentally sends her white bear to become the groom of the Troll Queen. So when a white bear comes to their family and promises to take away her sister’s illness and their family’s poverty if she will go with him, Rose agrees. The only thing that can keep her still is sewing and weaving. Ever since she was born, Rose wants to travel. It was a magical experience and still colours the way I view the book.Įast is a retelling of the story East of Sun, West of Moon, although it has touches of other stories in it. One day, my friend suggested we gather round in a circle, dim the lights, and use a torchlight to read East aloud.

When I was younger, I had the most wonderful neighbours (they’ve since moved out of Singapore).

East pattou