Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, 232 pagesOnce Upon a Time Challenge; young adult
I won't embarrass myself and admit how long it took me to realize that this was a version of Cinderella. This was a very cute story, with a strong heroine who faces a difficult dilemma - she has been cursed with obedience by a fairy at her birth. There are fairies, ogres, elves, gnomes, all the little and strange people that should be in a fairy tale. And there was a prince charming, who admired Ella's independence, and intelligence, and humor. It seems that most of the rewritten fairy tales I've read have had this trait - the male admires the strong qualities of the female lead, which is so different from the classic fairy tale where the female was just a beautiful person and the male comes along to save her. Bravo for the modern take on this.
I was enchanted with this short tale and finished it quickly, and now I am off to look for the movie, which looks to be excellently cast.
I hadn't realized it was a version of Cinderella either. I am glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteIt's so comforting that I wasn't the only one who was slow on the uptake.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds lovely! I didn't know it was a version of Cinderella either. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe person who introduced it to me mentioned that it was a retelling of Cinderella - but it took me a ridiculously long time to figure out the prince is Prince Charming. And then I felt stupid.
ReplyDeleteI loved your review. I will have to read "Ella Enchanted."
ReplyDeleteYep, I really must read this one.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read this but I did see the movie. It was enjoyable!
ReplyDeleteLOL - I've seen the movie (it's very cute), but had no idea there was a book! Thanks - I'm definitely putting it on my wishlist! :)
ReplyDeleteI know the kids in my school love this book, and I have yet to read it. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteIt's a really cute story and very popular at my school.
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed the book, but the movie didn't cut it for me. Cute in its own way, but not nearly as great as the book.
ReplyDeleteThe movie is on YTV on May 2nd. I thought I'd seen a promo for it, but I didn't see it in the guide, but I just saw another promo. I've seen it before, and it's really cute.
ReplyDeleteThe movie is AWESOME!!! It is a favorite even of my husband and sons!
ReplyDeleteI read this a long time ago but I never finished it, I don't think. Now I really want to! Great review.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of my faaaaaves! I'm glad you liked it. The movie's cute, too. Even my husband liked it!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a very cute book, I will definitely read it. Thanks for the review =)
ReplyDeleteWell i also though it was Cinderella story at first but when i tried to analized it even more i realized that it had a bit of Hamlet too don't u think?
ReplyDeleteI mean the young prince to be king with the evil uncle who wants the crown and ends up to be the murderer of the prince's father plus the prince's true love, Ophelia, in Hamlet (who was crazy), in this case the place is taken by Ella who people think is kind of weird and crazy too?
Well that's what i realized, dunno if someone else agrees with this :)
God bless everybody
ps. i also love the movie but i'm trying to have the book now which i've been told is superb