I have been meaning to get around to this review, since I finished the book weeks ago, but real life in the form of wedding plans and house-buying plans has intervened. Anyway, this book is an interpretation of the Cinderella story. It is told from the point of view of mostly the Cinderella character (Bella). It is very well written – the kind of book I was picking up every spare moment to read a little more. In this retelling, Bella is sent away when her mother dies to be raised by nursemaid, and grows up believing she is a peasant. She befriends the prince, who was nursed by Bella’s foster mother, who (of course) turns up later in the book for the Prince Charming character. There are some twists that liven up the familiar story, especially in the gender role area. Bella is a strong, smart female character who is a joy to read. Even the stepsisters and mother are given voices in the book, which make the reader empathize more with their situation. Excellent book. Now I can return it to the library so I stop getting overdue notices.
Bella at Midnight by Diane Stanley
In the interim, #2
After Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife, I started on the new Meg Cabot book, Queen of Babble, but so far in the first 36 pages, it’s not gripping me. I’ll read some more, but if it doesn’t pique my interest, I think I’ll just turn it in.
A few days ago, I got a book in on hold, for which I had been waiting a while. It is Bella at Midnight, by Diane Stanley. It’s a YA retelling of the Cinderella story. It came up in my section I purchase for the library, and it sounded so good (starred review!) that I wanted to read it. Anyway, it is quite good so far with some twists. I should finish it soon and get around to reviewing it.
