A Warning About Swans
R. M. Romero
July 11, 2023 Peachtree Teen
384 pages
In keeping with my usual tradition, I saved my copy of R. M. Romero’s YA fantasy novel in verse, A Warning About Swans, for a long flight. This is because in my prior experience, Romero always manages to pull me right in, and I finish before we land, turning an otherwise tortuous flight into an enjoyable experience. And as usual, it totally worked.
I’d like to call A Warning About Swans a retelling, but the truth is it felt to me like it drew from myths of several different cultures to construct an entirely new fairy tale. The main character, Hilde, was created from Odin’s dreams, and she and her sisters were given the ability to turn into swans. When in swan form, they each have a unique power that allows them to tend their forest. The hitch? Hilde’s power kind of sucks. She is able to guide dying souls to their final resting place, which in theory sounds like the greatest gift to give, but in practice requires her to witness a whole lot of pain and suffering. In a desperate move to escape the death and loneliness that constantly surround her, Hilde ignores all warning and runs off with a boy that claims to be her friend but is actually hoping to use her power for his own enrichment. By the time Hilde figures it all out, she’s trapped in a life of human lies she loathes and to escape she’ll need the help of non-binary Jewish artist Franz.
The choice to write this story in verse adds a very moving aspect to the telling, as each word feels measured and precious. The plot has hints of Odin origin story, every version of selkie story ever told, and also swan maidens. We know these myths and fables like the back of our hands, and so our heart aches to watch Hilde make all the wrong choices, even as we understand why she does. Hilde’s arc is complete and satisfying. She learns to appreciate both her gift and her true friends.
Franz provides and interesting love interest for her, although they initially leave the reader somewhat puzzled. They clearly have a gift for seeing beyond appearances, but are extremely reluctant to embrace it. In this, they could not be more Jewish. Centuries of persecution makes a people sometimes timid to own their own power lest it backfire on them or cause persecution. However, Franz too comes to fully their appreciate their unique contributions, because it is their ability to see what lies beneath words and actions that allow them to come to Hilde’s aid when she most needs it.
If you’re looking for a binge read, A Warning About Swans, is a good one. You can inhale it in a single sitting and will come away with a sense of peace – much like Hilde achieves for herself.