Karah Sutton’s A Wolf for a Spell is a captivating middle-grade fantasy that cleverly weaves traditional Slavic folklore into a vibrant tale of magic, adventure, and environmental stewardship. Geared towards children aged 8 to 12, this novel offers a refreshing take on classic fairy tale motifs through its imaginative plot and endearing characters.
Plot Overview:
The story revolves around three unlikely allies: Zima, a young wolf who inadvertently swaps bodies with the infamous witch Baba Yaga; Nadya, a brave village girl; and Baba Yaga herself, often feared but misunderstood. The adventure begins when Zima, trapped in Baba Yaga’s body, encounters Nadya, who seeks the witch’s aid to save her village. Meanwhile, Baba Yaga, now in the form of a wolf, must navigate the perilous forest in a completely new guise. Together, they discover a shared threat: a sinister force intent on destroying the forest they all call home.
Themes and Writing Style:
A Wolf for a Spell excels in its ability to tackle profound themes such as environmental protection and identity through a light-hearted and engaging narrative. Sutton’s storytelling is fluid and filled with whimsy, making the complex topics of conservation and ecological balance accessible to young readers. The body-switching element adds a layer of humor and heart to the story, exploring themes of empathy and self-discovery as each character learns to see the world through another’s eyes.
The narrative is steeped in Slavic folklore, giving it a rich, mythical quality that invites readers into a world where magic infuses every corner of the forest. Sutton’s respectful and creative use of these cultural tales adds depth and authenticity, setting this novel apart from typical fantasy fare.
Character Development:
The characters in A Wolf for a Spell are particularly well-crafted, each bringing their unique perspective to the story. Zima, as a wolf in a witch’s body, offers a fresh viewpoint on human and magical worlds, challenging preconceived notions about the wild and the tamed. Nadya’s courageous spirit and determination make her an instant favorite, portraying a heroine who is both relatable and aspirational for young readers. Baba Yaga, traditionally seen as a figure of fear, is depicted with nuance and depth, showcasing her wisdom and vulnerability in a new light.
Environmental Message:
One of the novel’s strongest points is its clear message about the importance of preserving natural habitats and respecting wildlife. Through the adventure and trials of Zima, Nadya, and Baba Yaga, readers learn about the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. The story promotes awareness and action towards environmental issues, wrapped in an enchanting narrative that captures the imagination.
Conclusion:
A Wolf for a Spell by Karah Sutton is a delightful and thoughtful addition to children’s literature, providing a magical yet meaningful story that entertains and educates. It is an excellent resource for introducing young readers to themes of environmentalism, folklore, and the value of seeing the world from different perspectives.
For young adventurers eager to explore enchanted forests filled with magic and mystery, “A Wolf for a Spell” is a must-read.
Join my newsletter for more magical book recommendations and journey into tales where the wild and the whimsical meet. Discover stories that dance on the delicate threads of fate and friendship, all while inspiring a love for our natural world.
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This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.
Sophie Anderson’s The House with Chicken Legs is a remarkable middle-grade novel that reimagines the Slavic folklore of Baba Yaga in a tender and captivating narrative. The story follows Marinka, a twelve-year-old girl destined to become a Baba Yaga like her grandmother—guardians who guide spirits from the world of the living to the world of the dead. This novel weaves themes of identity, destiny, and the meaning of life and death in a narrative accessible and profound for young readers aged 8 to 12.
Plot Overview:
Marinka lives in a magical house with chicken legs, constantly moving from place to place under the house’s own whims. Unlike the traditional menacing Baba Yaga of folklore, Marinka’s grandmother is a kind-hearted guardian who helps the dead transition. Despite the love and magic surrounding her, Marinka yearns for a normal life, with friends who are alive and a home that doesn’t wander. Her struggle with her destiny reaches a turning point when, driven by loneliness, she attempts to change the rules that have governed Baba Yagas for generations. This act of rebellion triggers a series of events that challenge Marinka’s understanding of her role and the delicate balance between life and death.
Themes and Impressions:
Anderson skillfully tackles the concept of death in a way that is both compassionate and thoughtful, making it approachable for middle-grade readers. The portrayal of Baba Yagas as benevolent figures is a fresh take on the myth, transforming them into empathetic guides who assist the dead in finding peace. This reinterpretation adds depth to the traditional character of Baba Yaga, presenting themes of service, sacrifice, and the natural cycle of life.
Marinka’s journey is heartwarming as it is poignant. Her quest for personal identity and her desperate desire for connections with the living depict the universal struggle of finding one’s place in the world. The magical elements, such as the house with chicken legs, add a whimsical yet profound layer to the exploration of these themes.
Personal Take:
The House with Chicken Legs is an exceptional story that stands out for its unique character development and imaginative reinterpretation of folklore. Anderson’s narrative is engaging, filled with emotional depth and magical charm that captures the heart of its readers. The book’s approach to heavy themes through a lens of wonder and empathy makes it a valuable read for children grappling with questions about life, death, and finding one’s path.
Conclusion:
Sophie Anderson’s novel is a compelling blend of fantasy and heartfelt drama that offers a fresh perspective on the age-old tales of Baba Yaga. It is a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring complex themes in a manner that is accessible to younger audiences.
For those enchanted by tales of folklore reimagined and stories that blend the magical with the emotional, The House with Chicken Legs is a must-read.
If you enjoy exploring profound themes through the eyes of memorable characters, subscribe to my FREE Reader’s Club newsletter for more insightful reviews and updates on captivating books perfect for young readers and the young at heart. Join a community that delves into magical realms and discovers the deeper meanings woven into the tapestry of fantasy literature.
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This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.
The Dollmaker of Krakow by R. M. Romero is a poignant and beautifully crafted middle-grade novel that handles the grave topics of World War II and the Holocaust with a tender yet powerful touch. Through the perspective of Karolina, an animated doll, Romero weaves a narrative that balances the stark realities of history with a touch of magic and hope, making it accessible and appropriate for children aged 8 to 12.
Plot Overview:
The story unfolds in Krakow during the Nazi invasion of Poland. Karolina, the living doll, finds herself in the human world after a mystic wind blows her away from the Land of the Dolls into the shop of a kind-hearted Dollmaker. As Karolina and the Dollmaker forge a deep and affectionate bond, she brings light into his solitary life and inspires him with her courage and optimism.
As the horrors of the Holocaust encroach upon their world, the Dollmaker discovers his unique magical abilities—to turn objects into toys and to bring toys to life. With Karolina’s guidance and companionship, he uses his newfound powers to aid Jewish children trapped in the ghetto, providing a glimmer of joy and hope amidst the surrounding darkness.
Themes and Narrative Style:
Romero tackles the somber subject of the Holocaust with an approach finely tuned to the sensibilities of younger readers. The fusion of historical facts with fantasy elements allows the novel to discuss themes of persecution, resilience, and the impact of kindness without becoming overwhelming. Karolina, as a magical and somewhat detached observer, serves as a gentle conduit through which young readers can explore these heavy themes.
The narrative’s magic realism not only adds layers of intrigue and fascination but also serves as a metaphor for the power of imagination and storytelling in providing comfort and escape during times of immense hardship. The Dollmaker’s ability to animate toys symbolizes the broader theme of animating hope where there seems to be none.
Character Development:
Karolina’s character is a masterpiece of child-friendly storytelling that encapsulates bravery and empathy. Her interactions in the human world highlight the contrast between innocence and the cruelty of war, yet her undying hope acts as a beacon throughout the narrative. The Dollmaker’s character development, from a reclusive craftsman to a heroic figure, beautifully complements Karolina’s presence, illustrating the profound impact of friendship and moral courage.
Conclusion:
The Dollmaker of Krakow stands out as a work of art in children’s literature, offering a story that is as heartrending as it is heartwarming. It provides a sensitive introduction to one of history’s darkest chapters, teaching young readers about the Holocaust in a way that is comprehensible without being traumatizing. Romero’s skillful blend of history with magical realism not only entertains but also educates, leaving a lasting impact on its audience.
For anyone seeking a novel that transforms a historical narrative into an accessible tale of courage and hope, “The Dollmaker of Krakow” is a must-read. It’s a testament to the enduring power of kindness and imagination against the backdrop of war.
Subscribe to my Reader’s Club newsletter for more thoughtful book reviews and insights into how stories can illuminate even the darkest parts of our history, helping young minds understand and appreciate the past.Reader’s Club members will receive a free ebook, and also monthly emails containing book reviews, the latest installments in my “Slavic Spirits” blog series, and updates on my works in progress.
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This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.
Rachel Gillig’s “The Shepherd King” duology is an innovative dark fantasy romance series set in a world where magic and madness tread a perilously thin line. With “One Dark Window” and its sequel “Two Twisted Crowns,” Gillig introduces readers to a unique magical system centered around tarot cards that bestow powers at a high personal cost.
Series Overview:
In Gillig’s dark and lush narrative, the magical tarot cards are not mere tools for divination but potent artifacts granting abilities that can alter the course of human fate—be it through beauty, invisibility, or compulsion. However, these gifts come with grave consequences, diminishing the user’s sanity, empathy, or soul with each use. The series is set against the backdrop of a kingdom shrouded in a mysterious mist, governed by a deity that lures people to madness and a monarchy bent on destroying those tainted with magical afflictions.
The story unfolds with Elspeth, a survivor of the mist’s deadly disease, which left her with the uncanny ability to sense these magical cards. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally awakens a devil from one of the cards, who then begins to share her mind. Discovered by Ravyn, a guard duty-bound to execute her but secretly part of an order aiming to overthrow the tyrannical king, Elspeth joins the quest to unite all the magical cards. The narrative weaves through their tumultuous alliance, marked by the looming threat of Elspeth’s potential descent into madness.
In the gripping sequel, Elspeth finds herself captive, with the magical deck nearly complete except for one elusive card. The final piece of their puzzle involves not only unlocking the last card but also unraveling a curse and the hidden history of their kingdom. The stakes are higher as they edge closer to revolution, with the past and present colliding in unexpected ways.
Personal Take:
What truly sets the “The Shepherd King” series apart is its innovative use of tarot cards as a mechanism for magic—each card’s ability beautifully interwoven with its traditional symbolic meanings yet reimagined into a tangible power within the story’s universe. This creative magic system, coupled with the high stakes of using such powers, adds a compelling layer to the narrative.
The inclusion of characters like Elspeth and Ravyn, each deeply affected by the world’s inherent dangers and the brutal policies of their rulers, enriches the story. Their development from wary allies to co-conspirators against a common enemy encapsulates a thrilling blend of fantasy and romance suited for a New Adult audience, given its mature themes of violence and sexuality.
“The Shepherd King” duology by Rachel Gillig is a standout series for those intrigued by dark fantasy woven with intricate magic systems and complex character dynamics. Its blend of romance, adventure, and moral dilemmas framed within a beautifully crafted magical world makes it a compelling read.
For readers who revel in stories where magic is both a gift and a curse, and where love struggles to shine through the darkness of political intrigue and personal sacrifice, Rachel Gillig’s duology promises to be an unforgettable journey.
Consider subscribing to my free Reader’s Club newsletter for more young adult fantasy reviews, updates on my Slavic Spirits series, and insights into my writing journey. Join us as we explore realms where magic cards dictate fate and characters strive to change their world.
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UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.
You might be wondering how knitting and writing are related, but they have a lot of similarities. They both require a tremendous amount of skill, patience, and consistency. Like a sweater, a novel is a project that takes many days of consistent effort to complete. Both are built in tiny increments — word by word, stitch by stitch. Sometimes you have to unravel a section and start over. Both require craft, creativity, and patience.
While it’s hard to get a firm number on how many people in the world knit, Forbes magazine estimates that approximately 45 million Americans know how to knit, so it seems inevitable that there would be some overlap between knitters and writers.
I had no idea how pervasive that overlap was, though, until I came across two essay collections edited by Ann Hood (who has herself written a novel about knitting). The two collections are Knitting Yarns and Knitting Pearls, and they feature such literary giants as Barbara Kingsolver, Elizabeth Berg, Jodi Picoult, Ann Patchett, Sue Grafton, Diana Gabaldon, Dani Shapiro, Andre Dubus III, Bill Roorback, and Steve Almond.
Until recently, I never really thought of knitting as something special, or that it would be a worthy writing topic. I learned to knit when I was ten years old, and it was a hobby my mother and I always shared. Sometimes it can be hard to recognize something special about your family until you see it through the eyes of another.
For the past few months, I have been going on a deep-dive on fiction and narrative non-fiction stories about knitting. It has been absolutely fascinating to learn about how knitting has impacted the lives of other writers, and in the role knitting sometimes plays in their creative process.
The more I looked, the more stories I found about writer-knitters. I think Tara Ison does a good job describing what knitting gives her as a writer:
“My professional life as a writer is a life of the mind. But knitting is a bodily, sensual, tactile experience. Knitting offers an escape from the writer’s mind […] Even if I’m thinking about my work while I knit, it’s almost as if the yarn […] absorbs the interior white noise, which frees me up to focus.”
She goes on to say that she uses knitting breaks the way another writer might use a cigarette break. Or a drinking break. Knitting is certainly healthier!
“Sometimes I put in 12-hour days [writing]. Numerous times throughout the day, I’ll literally have a sudden need to go to the couch and knit for half an hour. Like someone else might take a cigarette break. When I feel my body physically choking up, and I need to get out of my chair. Or when I hit a place in the work where things are snarled, then I need to work with something that isn’t snarled. Working with my hands […] I don’t consciously try to think of ways to undo writing knots. But after about 20 minutes of knitting, I’m able to go back to the work. I then find that my consciousness has done a lot of the work for me.” — p. 130-131, Tara Ison, screenwriter and author of A Child Out of Alcatraz. This quote is from an interview in the book Zen and the Art of Knitting by Burnadette Murphy
How knitting affects my work as a writer:
For a while, I gave up knitting because it was too easy—whereas writing was hard. I would knit daydream about the stories I wanted to write someday, but the act of knitting took time away from producing those stories. I only have two hands. The hours in the day are limited. Knitting got pushed to the back of the closet.
Additionally, I have to be aware of my hands. When I write or knit too much, my wrists become inflamed. Wrist tendonitis.Strength training has certainly improved my stamina and eased my discomfort somewhat, but I still have to respect my body’s limits. For writing, I can use dictation to protect my wrists and save them for when I have to edit, handwrite, or when typing isn’t avoidable. I have a split ergonomic keyboard, and I try to write at a stand-up desk whenever I can.
For knitting, I need to pay attention to my body and know when to stop. I’ve also noticed that using needles or material that is too small is rough on my hands, which why I’m reluctant to knit socks because they require the tiniest of yarns and needles. I feel most comfortable using needles between size 3 and 9.
Now that I have written and published a couple of books and my son is a little older, I feel like I am not as rushed. I’ve brought knitting back into my life because it brings me so much joy.
I love the idea of using knitting as a smoke-free way to take a break and look out the window… so long as I put the knitting down and go back to my writing desk.
I’m a very wiggly person and sometimes the hardest part of writing is just sitting down. Without knitting keeping me put, I’m most likely to get up and pace around the house looking for something to clean.
Most often, though, I find myself knitting during times when writing doesn’t make sense, like when I want to be physically and emotionally present for my friends and family. It feels wonderful to snuggle next to my family on the couch with a knitting project in my lap. Or to look out the window, as a passenger on a long car ride, with a puddle of lace slowly gathering shape in my lap.
It has been interesting to notice how knitting, sewing, weaving, and embroidery have started to appear in my stories. Right now I’m working on a story where one of the characters is able to make magical garments through knitting certain patterns into her work. It is really fun to write about a craft I already have a deep knowledge of.
Books About the Knitting Life
While it is possible to knit and read at the same time with the help of a book stand, I think that audiobooks and knitting are the perfect companions. The books listed below aren’t pattern books—although some of them do contain patterns. These books are narrative stories by, for, and about people who love knitting.
Collected Essays and Memoir:
Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting, edited by Ann Hood — Fabulous essays by incredible authors about their experiences knitting. Authors such as Barbara Kingsolver.
Knitlandia: A Knitter Sees the World by Clara Parkes — More essays by Clara Parks about her adventures traveling the world as the author of a knitting and yarn industry. She visits textile expos and travels to knitting retreats, and contemplates how the knitting world has grown and changed over her many years as a knitter.
Knitting: A Novel by Anne Bartlett — Sandra and Martha are two women who seem to be opposites, but they are both suffering from large stores of grief. When they begin to collaborate on a knitting exhibition, they find comfort, friendship, and healing.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens — Madame Defarge is a knitter and main antagonist in this classic Dickens novel. She would famously sit beside the guillotine during executions, knitting the names of those destined for the chop.
The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood — A woman loses her child and ends up joining a knitting club where she meets people facing their own grief, trauma, and illness by mindfully making one stitch at a time.
The Friday Night Knitting club series by Kate Jacobs — This is a women’s fiction series focused on the women who attend a local knitting club. The series follows each of the women as they experience love, careers, motherhood, disease, graceful aging, and reinvention.
The Blossom Street series by Debbie Macomber — This ten-book series focuses on the women who attend Seattle’s Blossom Street knitting shop as they seek friendship, comfort, self-actualization, and romance.
Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club series by Gil McNeil — Jo Mackenzie is a newly widowed and single mother of two boys who moves to the English seaside to take over her Gran’s knitting shop. Jo finds friendship, camaraderie, and plenty to gossip about with the local knitters club.
Romance Novels Featuring Knitters
Real Men Knit series by Kwana Jackson — A romance series focusing on the Strong brothers who have inherited a Harlem yarn and knitting shop from their mother. These four brothers break racial and gender stereotypes by keeping their mother’s memory and legacy alive through running her knitting shop. This is a relatively new series with only two books in it so far, but hopefully there is more to come.
Knitting in the City series by Penny Reid — This seven-book romance series follows a group of friends who have a weekly knitting club. The friends gossip and commiserate as each lady pursues her happily ever after.
Cozy and Paranormal Mysteries with Gumshoe Knitters
The Miss Marple series Agatha Christy – This series of crime novels and short stories features Miss Marple, an amateur consulting detective who has developed a keen understanding of human nature after having spent many hours knitting and people-watching.
Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series by Molly MacRae — This six-book paranormal mystery series follows Kath, who inherits her grandmother’s yarn shop in Blue Plum, Tennessee. These stories feature ghosts and the paranormal.
Knitting Mysteries series by Maggie Sefton — This sixteen-book mystery series follows Kelly and the rest of the gang at the House of Lamb knitting club in Colorado as they solve mysteries large and small in their home town of Fort Connor.
The Vampire Knitting Club series by Nancy Warren — This fifteen-book paranormal mystery series features American-raised Lucy Swift who moves to Oxford England to take over her Gran’s knitting shop. Little does she know, but her basement is the home of a group of late-night knitting vampires who pass the centuries knitting sweaters and baby booties. Lucy soon discovers that Oxford is filled with paranormal activity, mystery, and murder.
In Conclusion
It has been an absolute delight to discover there are so many wonderful books about knitting and knitters. I’m sure there are hundreds of more books that feature knitting that I haven’t had the space to mention, but these are just the ones I was able to find through my local library. I could spend multiple years only reading books about knitters. How wonderful!
While I haven’t had a chance to read all of these yet, it has certainly been a wonderful surprise to discover how many other people enjoy knitting enough to write about it—and even build whole careers writing about it.
If you know an avid knitter, or if your local knitting club is thinking about sharing books, please consider sharing this list!
E. S. O. Martin is a novelist, short story writer, and avid knitter. She blogs about books and Slavic folklore at esomartin.com. Consider signing up for her email newsletter to receive a free story and receive monthly updates about her works in progress.
Leigh Bardugo’s novel “The Familiar” transports readers to the vibrant yet perilous backdrop of middle ages Spain, a setting deeply enmeshed in the turmoil of the Spanish Inquisition. This standalone historical fantasy introduces us to Luzia Cotado, a Jewish scullery maid whose hidden talent reveals a stirring blend of culture, magic, and danger.
Plot Overview:
Luzia, a humble maid, discovers that her unique blend of singing in Spanish and Hebrew can conjure magic. This extraordinary ability catches the eye of the lady of the house, who sees potential for Luzia’s gifts to enhance the household’s standing through enchanting performances. However, as Luzia’s abilities gain wider attention, they draw the interest of powerful and dangerous figures within Spain, thrusting her into a vortex of intrigue and peril.
The narrative also weaves a compelling romantic thread between Luzia and Guillén Santángel, a cursed immortal who is brought in to tutor her. Their relationship, marked by an exploration of love across the chasms of time and curse, adds depth to the historical and magical elements of the story.
Cultural and Historical Setting:
Bardugo masterfully paints the tense atmosphere of a Spain gripped by the Inquisition, where fear and suspicion loom large. The choice of Luzia as a Jewish protagonist in this era is particularly poignant, reflecting the fraught position of Jewish communities in historical Spain. This setting not only provides a rich historical tapestry but also raises timeless questions about tolerance, identity, and power.
Themes and Character Development:
“The Familiar” excels in its exploration of themes such as the power of art and the dangers of visibility, especially for those deemed other by mainstream society. Luzia’s journey from a maid shielded by anonymity to a magician exposed to the societal elite encapsulates the double-edged sword of possessing extraordinary talents in a world rife with bigotry and greed.
Luzia’s character development, coupled with the enchanting yet dangerous dynamics of her magic, portrays a narrative where personal growth intersects with cultural survival. The magic system—rooted in the authentic linguistic and cultural heritage of Luzia—enriches the fantasy elements with a sense of realism and reverence for the historical period.
Conclusion:
Leigh Bardugo’s “The Familiar” is a compelling addition to the genre of historical fantasy, offering a story that is as enchanting as it is thought-provoking. Through Luzia’s eyes, readers experience the visceral fears and dazzling wonders of a society on the brink of monumental change, underscored by the rich tapestry of Jewish and Spanish cultures.
For fans of historical fantasy that marries deep cultural insights with the thrill of magical realism, “The Familiar” is a must-read.
Join my free Reader’s Club newsletter for more reviews on young adult fantasy books and to receive updates on my Slavic Spirits series and other writing projects. Dive into narratives where the past and the magical forge stories that resonate with timeless themes and unforgettable characters.
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UPDATE — This blog post includes text and images generated with the assistance of OpenAI’s models. I provided detailed prompts, curated the outputs, and made edits, but the majority of the content was created with AI assistance. This disclosure aligns with my commitment to transparency under the EU AI Act. Disclosure added on November 18, 2024 to align with transparency requirements under the EU AI Act.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Portions of this content were generated using OpenAI’s models, with significant curation, editing, and creative input by E. S. O. Martin. AI-generated portions may not be subject to copyright under current laws.
