Official Review: The Witch by Mistake by Anna Brusha

Post by **kandscreeley** » 16 Apr 2019, 07:46

kdstrack wrote: ↑15 Apr 2019, 20:52 It is always amazing when the author is able to draw you into the story like you have described. And now that we understand the background behind some of the words, we will enjoy it even more. Great review. Thanks.

Exactly! I was amazed at how so much made more sense when I understood where the words came from. It definitely adds to the story. Thanks for your comments.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 16 Apr 2019, 07:46

Ellylion wrote: ↑16 Apr 2019, 06:31 Sounds like an interesting book for fantasy lovers Of course, you are right, the glossary should have been added for those not familiar with Russian or Polish language. I love exploring new fantasy worlds, so I would give this book a try Great review!

Now that I know more about the origin of some of the words, everything falls into place even more. Still, it was interesting nonetheless. I hope you enjoy it!

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 16 Apr 2019, 11:14

kandscreeley wrote: ↑15 Apr 2019, 15:10
SunVixen wrote: ↑15 Apr 2019, 14:12 Is this book translated from Russian? In Russia, many authors (mostly women) write about magical academies and brilliant young witches. There are so many of these books that Russians have already started writing parodies about brilliant witches.

"However, there were still many that I couldn't quite wrap my head around; I'm not sure, though, if that was due to the fact that these were made up words or if they were Russian words that were not translated. For example, Wiedzmina seems to be a term of respect for certain witches. Also, Veda is used, and it appears to indicate the person is a teacher. "

"Wiedzmin" is Polish world for male witch or warlock. In Andrzej Sapkowski's books, this is the name for people who fight monsters and protect humans. Andrzej Sapkowski's books are very popular in Russia. So, this Аnna Brusha borrowed this term from the book of Andrzej Sapkowski and turned it into a word for female witch.
In Slavic languages, the vowel sound at the end of some words turns them into feminitives. So, this is a made-up Polish/Russian word. The real word for the witch in Russian is "ved'ma".

The word "Veda" is actually a very ancient Russian name. It comes from the very ancient word "vedat'", which means "to know." So, it may be a good term for a teacher. Nowadays, this word has disappeared from the Russian language.The modern word for " to know" is "znat'". However, it is still used in the Belarusian language, because this language is more archaic than Russian. So, "Veda" is a very ancient name turned into a term for a teacher.

Thus, both words are not real Russian words.
Thanks for the information. That's actually quite interesting. Brusha does sound somewhat Russian, so I suppose this is all very possible. At least I know I was somewhat close in my assessment of the words!

You are welcome.

About the author, she is really Russian. I just found this book in RuNet (Russian segment of the Internet).

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 16 Apr 2019, 11:21

kandscreeley wrote: ↑15 Apr 2019, 15:11
SunVixen wrote: ↑15 Apr 2019, 14:55 Sorry, I forgot to write about it!

"Having said that, there were a few small pieces of the story here and there that didn't quite seem to make sense. For example, Michael Kotik, a demon hunter in the strange land, was suddenly called Kitty, and I was never sure where that came from."

The word "kot" in Russian means "cat", and the word "kotik" means "my little cat" or "my dear cat". The surname of this demon hunter meant almost a “kitten”. Therefore, he was given the nickname "Kitty". In Russian, it looks like a very funny joke.

The word "kotik" does not apply only to cats. This is also word for young children or pretty girls. In this book, "kotik" is the surname of a demon hunter.
It looks like YOU should have read the book! All the nuances that I missed! I guess that one was related to the language issue as well!

Your guess is completely correct. However, the translator must figure out how to explain this joke to English-speaking readers.

As for the book, I can read it both in Russian and in English. The only problem is that I am really fed up with books about magical academies and witch girls. If these books are translated into English en masse, poor reviewers and readers will also be fed up with them.

All these books are almost the same. The girl is fired from her job or her boyfriend leaves her. She is sad and lonely. Suddenly she finds herself in a fantasy world, where she learns about her abilities as witch. Also, she usually meets a good guy, a prince, an elf, a demon or something like that.They fall in love with each other. Finally, she is happy. The end!

Sometimes, writers add a little bit of humor to the story. Also, the story is usually told in the first person, so that reader become one with the protagonist.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 16 Apr 2019, 11:36

SunVixen wrote: ↑16 Apr 2019, 11:21
kandscreeley wrote: ↑15 Apr 2019, 15:11
SunVixen wrote: ↑15 Apr 2019, 14:55 Sorry, I forgot to write about it!

"Having said that, there were a few small pieces of the story here and there that didn't quite seem to make sense. For example, Michael Kotik, a demon hunter in the strange land, was suddenly called Kitty, and I was never sure where that came from."

The word "kot" in Russian means "cat", and the word "kotik" means "my little cat" or "my dear cat". The surname of this demon hunter meant almost a “kitten”. Therefore, he was given the nickname "Kitty". In Russian, it looks like a very funny joke.

The word "kotik" does not apply only to cats. This is also word for young children or pretty girls. In this book, "kotik" is the surname of a demon hunter.
It looks like YOU should have read the book! All the nuances that I missed! I guess that one was related to the language issue as well!
Your guess is completely correct. However, the translator must figure out how to explain this joke to English-speaking readers.

As for the book, I can read it both in Russian and in English. The only problem is that I am really fed up with books about magical academies and witch girls. If these books are translated into English en masse, poor reviewers and readers will also be fed up with them.

All these books are almost the same. The girl is fired from her job or her boyfriend leaves her. She is sad and lonely. Suddenly she finds herself in a fantasy world, where she learns about her abilities as witches. Also, she usually meets a good guy, a prince, an elf, a demon or something like that.They fall in love with each other. Finally, she is happy. The end!

Sometimes, writers add a little bit of humor to the story. Also, the story is usually told in the first person, so that reader become one with the protagonist.

Wow! I had no idea, but you describe the story exactly. For now, I guess these are better in English than in Russian because of the oversaturation of the market in Russia. However, you are right. If they keep being translated into English, everyone here will tire of them, too.

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 16 Apr 2019, 11:45

Really? However, I do not know something. For example, whom did Maya pick up? Was it a vampire, elf or demon? Human guys are not popular in such books, unless they are princes.

As I wrote before, poor Russian are already writing parodies. And the market is already oversaturated not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries, where people are able to read Russian books.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 16 Apr 2019, 11:51

SunVixen wrote: ↑16 Apr 2019, 11:45 Really? However, I do not know something. For example, whom did Maya pick up? Was it a vampire, elf or demon? Human guys are not popular in such books, unless they are princes.

As I wrote before, poor Russian are already writing parodies. And the market is already oversaturated not only in Russia, but also in neighboring countries, where people are able to read Russian books.

Actually, it was a demon hunter.

SunVixen · Post by **SunVixen** » 16 Apr 2019, 12:20

At least something new.

Crazyreader01 · Post by **Crazyreader01** » 16 Apr 2019, 15:16

I really like the sound of this but I feel like the author didn't really take into account that not everyone can speak Russian and is familiar with those terms. Thanks for the review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 16 Apr 2019, 15:27

Crazyreader01 wrote: ↑16 Apr 2019, 15:16 I really like the sound of this but I feel like the author didn't really take into account that not everyone can speak Russian and is familiar with those terms. Thanks for the review!

You're right about that. However, if this book was translated from Russian into English, it was done fairly well with few grammatical errors. Thanks for your comment.

Rmcgee · Post by **Rmcgee** » 16 Apr 2019, 18:16

I think your review was great and you had some really good insights. I’m a fan of the witch genre so this is right up my alley. I’ve never read anything that integrated Russian culture or folklore, but I think this would be a great book to start with!

Janelle Juncos · Post by **Janelle Juncos** » 16 Apr 2019, 20:55

The glossary of terms is a great suggestion! I love it when a creative author pens a new world for me. Thanks for the review!

Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 17 Apr 2019, 01:52

I love it when world-building is done right. It puts you right into that faraway place and draws you into the book even further.
This sounds like fun!

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 17 Apr 2019, 04:59

This sounds so fascinating! The premise is rather fresh, but it's a pity about the inconsistencies that you found. I certainly hope that the author will take your suggestions to heart – I would definitely be confused about the various Russian/made-up terms as well. Thanks for the brilliant review as always!

Dawud Adaviruku · Post by **Dawud Adaviruku** » 17 Apr 2019, 07:27

I'm a fan of fantasy novel as well but I don't think I will give this book a shot. I specifically don't like the fact that some words might be complicated for my understanding. I however love the intriguing character of Maya. Great review I must confess.