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libwinnie's review against another edition
4.0
This was a beautifully written book with a story that turned around and around itself in fascinating ways. There were so many twists and turns, however, that for a good portion of the book, I wasn't sure exactly what was going on. But that was also part of the beauty of it. This is one that will need a second read sometime in the future.
sheila713's review against another edition
3.0
The Charmed Wife, by Olga Grushin, is another take on the Cinderella story, this time with a not so happy ending. Jane (aka Cinderella) marries her Prince Charming, who turns out to not be so charming after all. The story is interspersed with the reimagining of various other fairy tales. There is a mix of fairy tale time and modern time. The fairy godmother and a witch character are both interesting as they are developed in the book. Overall, the book was humorous, and thought provoking, but at times confusing. In the end some of that confusion was resolved.
robynreadsmore's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
sunsess's review against another edition
1.0
I hate this book for all that it is: cynical, basic, and drawn out beyond belief, with ZERO likable characters to boot. It's just... awful. I'd have much preferred a story exploring the complexities of a relationship than one that just shits on them. There was so much potential here to explore "happily ever after". It feels wasted.
One lone cow. Perhaps I am being a little harsh, but Cinderella retellings are my favorite.
One lone cow. Perhaps I am being a little harsh, but Cinderella retellings are my favorite.
thebacklister's review against another edition
Disjointed, a little confusing. And I’m just not in the mood to read about someone’s unhappy marriage.
nicnicblue's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
elbyjosie's review against another edition
3.0
6.5/10⭐
this book had a lot of potential so i'm not really sure what happened. it's a good concept, another retelling but inside the mind of that alone is enough to draw me in... damn, think of all the directions you could take it! but the charmed wife falls very short of being just another fanfic. it sort of felt like this idea just magically came to olga grushin and she knew she was on to something but decided it didn't need any more enhancement to be gold. she was wrong.
this book had a lot of potential so i'm not really sure what happened. it's a good concept, another retelling but inside the mind of
Spoiler
a modern woman trapped in a loveless marriage.norcaldawnrae's review against another edition
4.0
This book is for people who don’t mind the story diverging and for things to not play out chronologically or consistently. This book is for those who enjoyed the “magic” of the movie Big Fish and understanding what happens when the magic is stripped away.
It may be hard to follow, but it pays off beautifully.
It is rich with stories upon and within stories that will make you think.
I’m not sure I would come back to this book but some chapters will keep me thinking for quite some time.
This book will remind you that every hero is a villain, and every villain thinks they are a hero, but as a human, we all have to accept responsibility for the forks in the road we avoid or choose to follow.
It may be hard to follow, but it pays off beautifully.
It is rich with stories upon and within stories that will make you think.
I’m not sure I would come back to this book but some chapters will keep me thinking for quite some time.
This book will remind you that every hero is a villain, and every villain thinks they are a hero, but as a human, we all have to accept responsibility for the forks in the road we avoid or choose to follow.