"Spinning Silver" is a fantasy novel by Naomi Novik that reimagines the tale of Rumplestiltskin, weaving a rich narrative filled with complex characters and themes of power, sacrifice, and transformation. The story revolves around Miryem, the daughter of a poor Jewish moneylender, who takes on the responsibility of her family’s financial struggles. To uphold her father's legacy, she learns to "turn silver into gold," attracting attention from powerful beings and setting the stage for her adventures.
As Miryem's journey unfolds, she becomes entangled with the Staryk, a fey-like race that values silver above all. The consequences of her actions lead her to confront the darker aspects of her newfound ability and the relationships she forges along the way. The novel explores themes of identity, the nature of power, and the impact of choices, as Miryem, along with other key characters like her friend Wanda and the Staryk king, navigate their intertwined fates.