So This Is Love by Elizabeth Lim
A Twisted Tale
Summary:
Cinderella makes it to the ball, gown and glass slippers in tow. Once there, she is swept up in a waltz and guided through the Palace Gardens with her kind dance partner. He is curious about Cinderella, and she about him, but the bells of midnight intervene and send Cinderella fleeing the castle, dropping her glass slipper, before they had exchanged names.
Although he sends palace guards after her, the magic wears off and it is as though the young maiden has disappeared. Desperate to find her, Prince Charles asks that every young lady try on the slipper. Whoever fits the shoe will become his bride.
Elated, Cinderella hardly believes that she had been dancing and talking with the Prince. She begins to imagine life in the palace, away from her stepmother and stepsisters. But as the slipper makes its way to Cinderella’s home, her stepmother locks her away in the attic. Her chance for freedom slips through her fingers.
Yet, life has a way of offering second chances if we are brave enough to take them.
Thoughts:
This book was lent to me by a former student who swore that I would enjoy it. But I will admit, there was a part of me that did not want to like it, simply because it was a Cinderella retelling.
Boy, was I wrong! I really enjoyed this read and made my way through it in only a couple days. I liked reading about the different characters and getting inside their heads as it often switched perspectives. This helped round out the entire story and did not bog it down with just Cinderella, since in truth this story isn’t all about her.
One thing that stood out to me was how “unfrilly” this version of the story was. There are still traces of magic, and extravagant balls, and the palace, but it wasn’t quite as perfect and magical as the original we are used to. Magic had been outlawed and Fairy Godmother only intervened at great risk to herself, and usually only to give advice or offer clarity. Behind the quest for love was also a quest for power that was fueled by deceit.
Teacher Recommendation:
I believe it appeals more to girls, but I’ll happily recommend this to all readers. Whether 4th or 5th grade, a senior in high school, or an adult, this is a fun read with intriguing twists, love, and deceit that will keep you guessing.
Happy reading!
Published 2020