This is not your mother’s fairy tale! Gregory Maguire has created quite the niche for himself, reconstructing fairy tales we have heard our whole lives, giving us the backstory, and twisting it up a bit.
What really happened with Cinderella, her step-sisters, and her step-mother? It is all right here.
This story is told from the viewpoint of Iris, who is burdened with taking care of the disabled Ruth as well as keeping peace in the family. (There is even a twist there, but no spoilers from me!)
Clara is beautiful. Her step-sisters Ruth and Iris do not fail to notice this. Her own mother had kept Clara locked away from the world before she died. Things would not change very much for her with her new family.
Iris wants nothing more than to paint, and be with her tutor’s apprentice.
There are many subplots, and lots of twists and turns. Everyone has an agenda, telling themselves they only want the best for themselves and their families.
This is not a complicated read, with too much going on that you cannot follow the many plots going on. If you think you know what really happened to Cinderella, I would like to suggest you open this book up and read about it from a different perspective. It is certainly worth the time and effort. You will not be disappointed.
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Reblogged this on Kat Webber and commented:
Ohhh, I love fairy tales with a twist. Can’t wait to read!
Me too Kat! Mr. Maguire’s stories are amazing. I love the Wicked series too.
I’ve gotten into fairy tale retellings lately. I especially like it when they’re told from the villains point of view. I hope this ugly step sister gets her happy ending.
It was a great read. I never should have started watching Once Upon a Time! I was instantly hooked 🙂