Are you excited?
I'm excited.
This week, we look at what is arguably the most famous of fairytales: Cinderella!
Okay, yes, this is somewhat of a cliché place to start. But let's admit, Cinderella is one of the first things to come to mind when we think "fairytale". It's just become such a mainstay of our culture that not many even know where the story came from originally. Multiple countries have their own version, the Grimm Brothers have a very interesting take, and most Americans are familiar with Charles Perrault's story (which was the one Walt Disney took on).
With so many retellings of this classic story, it was hard to choose one to review. So I chose two. One book, one film. (And I'm going to be honest, this story likely will come up again before this series of posts is over... I've just read so many xD)
But for today, we begin with "A Wish Made of Glass".
Author: Ashlee Willis
Overview of the Story: Isidore doesn't like that she must leave her home, especially when her new step-mother and step-sister take away all of her father's attention. But the fey are calling to her, and the beautiful Blessing only wishes to be her friend.
What I Thought: This is a really great take on the Cinderella story. Like. Really great. It's super interesting because it's not told from the view of "Cinderella", it's technically from the step-sister. It's fascinating. There isn't all that much magic, something I appreciate. I mean... there's fey... so obviously there is magic, but... yeah.
Characters:
Isidore - Truly, she's a fascinating character. A bit hard to relate to at times, as her motivation for doing what she does is a little twisted, but ultimately I found myself wanting her to succeed.
Blessing - Sweet, beautiful, every Cinderella cliché wrapped up in one. But she's truly very kind, and almost instantly adopts Isidore as her sister, even if Izzy doesn't feel the same way at first.
Favorite Quote: My mother's words sound in my mind. With every step they take, they tred upon their own hearts. But that is what the slippers are, not what they look like. So I say, "Moonlight." Blessing sighs. "Moonlight..." she whispers to herself. I smile. "Moonlight and prayers and glass and frost and wishes. That's what they look like."
How Does it Compare to the Original? I do think this was based on the Perrault, but that doesn't include quite the same quality this does... I think ethereal would be a good word. I was glued to the story, but not because it was full of action or anything, just because I wanted to know more about the fey and the story and what THE HECK WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.
Overall Rating: 4.5 fey slippers out of 5
And because I promised you two reviews, we also have "Ever After":
(kind of a weird looking poster, but I didn't want the one where they're half-kissing like every other romance movie ever)
Overview of the Story: Set in the 14th century, this is the story of Danielle, a girl who meets the prince, and through a mistake, leads him to believe she is a proper Lady. This is all made more difficult, of course, when she falls in love with him.
What I Thought: One of our family friends was shocked that my sister and I had never seen this film. Apparently it's her favorite version of the Cinderella story (thus how we came to the subject), and she was determined that we would see it the next time we visited her home. Sure enough, the next time we went over there, she was like "Let's watch Ever After!" and so we did. And had to pause near the end because more than half of us had to pee. But anyway.
I thought this was a very interesting take. It didn't have magic, which is what our friend loved most about it. I like that this seems more plausible than most retellings.
Characters:
Danielle - Fabulously sassy child. I love that she's not the average Cinderella. She's willing to stand up for herself to her step-family, and while she knows that'll get her in trouble, she makes her voice known. Plus, she gave us this fantastic scene:
Prince Henry - This guy's pretty fantastic. A bit bratty, quite childish, but determined to marry the girl he loves... even before he knows who she actually is.
Favorite Quote: "Why that was pure genius!" "Yes, I shall go down in history as the man who opened a door."
How Does it Compare to the Original? It... it really doesn't? Like I guess it's in a similar time period that the original was written in, but it's really completely different. So... yeah.
I thought this was a very interesting take. It didn't have magic, which is what our friend loved most about it. I like that this seems more plausible than most retellings.
Characters:
Danielle - Fabulously sassy child. I love that she's not the average Cinderella. She's willing to stand up for herself to her step-family, and while she knows that'll get her in trouble, she makes her voice known. Plus, she gave us this fantastic scene:
Prince Henry - This guy's pretty fantastic. A bit bratty, quite childish, but determined to marry the girl he loves... even before he knows who she actually is.
Favorite Quote: "Why that was pure genius!" "Yes, I shall go down in history as the man who opened a door."
How Does it Compare to the Original? It... it really doesn't? Like I guess it's in a similar time period that the original was written in, but it's really completely different. So... yeah.
Overall Rating: 4 winged gowns out of 5
And so we come to then end of our first Fairytale Friday celebration. Hopefully you enjoyed our time together.
Do you have a favorite retelling of Cinderella? Have you read/watched these two? *waves you toward the comment section*
~ Mia
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