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emiged's review
5.0
I really enjoy reading fairy tales from other cultures and I found this one from Armenia fascinating. The textures of the illustrations give it a rustic feel. I appreciate that the heroine, Anait, valued education, skill, and learning more than riches, power, and prestige, refusing to marry the prince Vachagan until he could read, write, and master a trade. In true egalitarian form, Anait also expanded her skill set - she learned how to ride and use a sword and govern. She leads the army that goes to rescue Vachagan, fighting bravely against the dev and his army. Wonderful action story. Great example of a well-matched married couple who truly care for and encourage and inspire each other.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
v10's review
4.0
I'm not hiding my review because this book is over ten years old. If you're concerned about spoilers, scroll past.
This book was fantastic! It's a short, simple (except the foreign names, for an English speaking six year old) fairy tale, completely different from Disney.
It goes like this: The prince is a dull, spoiled man. He meets the heroine, falls in love instantly, and asks for her hand in marriage immediately. Her father told the prince it was the heroine's decision - she married whomever she chose. I was really thrilled with that.
She tells the prince essentially, that he's not good enough for her and she is bored with him. (Which was true, and perfectly acceptable reasons to refuse a proposal, even from a prince.) He set off to impress her, by learning to read, write, and make his own living.
His instant love is maintained through his mastery of literature and a trade. He proposes once again, and she accepts. The couple teach each other new things, and eventually inherit the kingdom. Dear prince sets off in disguise (at her suggestion) to learn what ails his people, and is taken prisoner by a demon. He is able to sneak a secret message back to his wife, who takes it upon herself to rescue him.
When they reach the demon, her army abandons her in fright, but she carries on, and defeats it by neatly chopping off all three of it's heads. She is reunited with her prince, and they live happily ever after.
There are may things I like about this story. Unlike in Disney stories, our heroine got to choose her husband - her father said as much to a prince! Class did not make daddy (or anyone) choose for her.
Our heroine was not immediately satisfied with the first guy who told her she was pretty. Sure, she ends up with him, but not until he meets her standards.
There was not a hint of "damsel in distress" - she went to rescue him! The couple worked together, as equals in ruling the kingdom and rescuing the prince. But the heroine did all of the actual fighting, which was nice to see.
On the page where we meet the demon, I was briefly concerned that it was going to get graphic - I did not pre read this before reading it with my first grader! But I am perfectly content with the amount of "bad" that was shown; the illustrations were nicely done, and there was no needless gore.
I would happily add this book to my daughter's collection (which does not include any Disney princesses.)
This book was fantastic! It's a short, simple (except the foreign names, for an English speaking six year old) fairy tale, completely different from Disney.
It goes like this: The prince is a dull, spoiled man. He meets the heroine, falls in love instantly, and asks for her hand in marriage immediately. Her father told the prince it was the heroine's decision - she married whomever she chose. I was really thrilled with that.
She tells the prince essentially, that he's not good enough for her and she is bored with him. (Which was true, and perfectly acceptable reasons to refuse a proposal, even from a prince.) He set off to impress her, by learning to read, write, and make his own living.
His instant love is maintained through his mastery of literature and a trade. He proposes once again, and she accepts. The couple teach each other new things, and eventually inherit the kingdom. Dear prince sets off in disguise (at her suggestion) to learn what ails his people, and is taken prisoner by a demon. He is able to sneak a secret message back to his wife, who takes it upon herself to rescue him.
When they reach the demon, her army abandons her in fright, but she carries on, and defeats it by neatly chopping off all three of it's heads. She is reunited with her prince, and they live happily ever after.
There are may things I like about this story. Unlike in Disney stories, our heroine got to choose her husband - her father said as much to a prince! Class did not make daddy (or anyone) choose for her.
Our heroine was not immediately satisfied with the first guy who told her she was pretty. Sure, she ends up with him, but not until he meets her standards.
There was not a hint of "damsel in distress" - she went to rescue him! The couple worked together, as equals in ruling the kingdom and rescuing the prince. But the heroine did all of the actual fighting, which was nice to see.
On the page where we meet the demon, I was briefly concerned that it was going to get graphic - I did not pre read this before reading it with my first grader! But I am perfectly content with the amount of "bad" that was shown; the illustrations were nicely done, and there was no needless gore.
I would happily add this book to my daughter's collection (which does not include any Disney princesses.)
crankylibrarian's review
5.0
Wonderful folk tale with an intellectual princess who turns warrior to rescue her husband from demons! Beautifully illustrated story celebrates literature, courage, and true love.
csd17's review
4.0
Another beautiful legend of how equality, skill and intelligence triumph over their opposites. The stylized art is lovely too.
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