Zel by Donna Jo NapoliOnce Upon a Time II, Young Adult Challenge, Eponymous Challenge
Napoli uses beautiful writing to retell the fairy tale of Rapunzel. This was set in Switzerland during the 1500s, and I forgot how much of the story I knew, but as I kept reading, another element made me remember. I liked how the prince was a count, and the love story was perfect. It was really the story about love, different kinds of love, and the things that love can drive you to do. I'd read another fairy tale by Napoli.
A great start to the Once Upon a Time Challenge II.
Also reviewed by : mawbooks
I saw somebody else had reviewed this book recently and I thought it sounded really interesting. Plus, that will give me a Z book for my A-Z reading challenge.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes - a good Z book!
ReplyDeleteI think this is about the fourth great review I have read of this novel. I have it ordered so fingers crossed it will arrive tomorrow.
ReplyDeletemaw books - it was very cute, and a Z book!
ReplyDeletebooklogged - exactly
rhinoa - I hope you enjoy it
I've enjoyed several other books I read by Donna Jo Napoli. This one looks good, too!
ReplyDeleteThis was the first book I need by Napoli and I loved it. I'm hoping to get to The Magic Circle for this challenge.
ReplyDeleteOhh, this sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one. Love the title/name. Very fun. Makes me want to have another kid just so I can call her Zel. Okay, not really, but you get the point. If you're interested in a really great essay on the Rapunzel tradition, I would point you here:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.endicott-studio.com/rdrm/rrRapunzel.html
Terri Windling writes the best essays!
I've seen this book on a lot of people's list. Sounds like a beautiful tale; I've always really enjoyed the story of Rapunzel--and I have Swiss roots.
ReplyDeletecarl - thanks for the link, I'll have a look on the weekend.
ReplyDeletetrish - I didn't realize it was a Swiss tale, and we had just discussed Heidi, I'm all Switzerland these days.
I just finished The Magic Circle by Napoli and liked enough to want to read more by her. Zel is on my TBR list. I'm glad to read your review. It just makes me want to read it more.
ReplyDelete