Spin, a TTA Novella, Review by Sean P Chatterton

Spin by Nina Allan

Approx 22,200 words.

In short: Superbly crafted fiction.

Full review:

The story is about Layla, a gifted young lady with a troubled past. She is a weaver who has a gift, like her mother before her. She leaves her father and the coast to make a life for herself in the big city. There she meets Nasha Crewe who wants her to change the fate of her son, Alcander. She says that she does not have the power to do so, but after meeting Alcander, she weaves...

Set in an alternate Greece, this is a re-imagining of the Arachne myth. Nina Allan draws upon her own experiences of the hot Mediterranean country, and its rich history. Her descriptions of the places, people and culture don't so much as draw you in, but involve you. You are there with Layla experiencing the sights and sounds of Corinth and its suburbs.

I started to read this one evening, with the intentions of reading through the book over the next few days. I sat and read it through in one sitting. I was completely drawn in to the flawless literary prose. This is one of those books that you not so much as can't put down, as you don't realise you haven't put it down until it is finished.

Now I am not normally a fan of alternate histories, nor am I classically read, but neither of these stopped me from enjoying this novella immensely. I can't recommend this book enough.

I would also suggest you read Nina Allan's 'Story behind Spin' for more about this story.

Sean P Chatterton