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3.78 AVERAGE
3.78 AVERAGE
I remember absolutely loving this book as a kid, but I barely remember it anymore. I really should read it again. I guess I had read something by Jane Yolen after all.
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Updated 8/8/2012
Got a copy of this at a book swap and wanted to re-read. I had totally forgotten about what happened in this book, so it was a nice surprise. It didn't hit me with quite the impact that I remember from childhood, but I did enjoy the book. It's a creative take on the Sleeping Beauty tale with some pretty haunting imagery.
I like that it discusses some pretty grim topics while still keeping it a YA novel. And it has mostly adult characters, but enough childhood flashbacks and internal monologue to appeal to younger readers.
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Updated 8/8/2012
Got a copy of this at a book swap and wanted to re-read. I had totally forgotten about what happened in this book, so it was a nice surprise. It didn't hit me with quite the impact that I remember from childhood, but I did enjoy the book. It's a creative take on the Sleeping Beauty tale with some pretty haunting imagery.
I like that it discusses some pretty grim topics while still keeping it a YA novel. And it has mostly adult characters, but enough childhood flashbacks and internal monologue to appeal to younger readers.
Not what I expected at all but I believe that only added to the story. This isn't your typical fairy tale or revision story. It's sad and haunting but revealing in such a simple way. It is a story that needed to be told and didn't require a grand retelling. It needs no fan fair just the story itself and those that lived it. This is a work of fiction but the places are not. Sometimes he hardest stories are told simply.
I hated this book! Probably more so from the way it was presented in 8th grade English class than anything...
Growing up Becca' s grandmother always told her sisters the same story of briar rose. Years later on her death bed,"gemma" reveals that she is briar rose and instructs Becca to find her castle. Desperate to fulfill her grandmother's dying wish, Becca sets out to find the truth behind her grandmother's story.
I loved how the Author implemented WWII into the story. It added a lot of depth and created an interesting twist. The dialogue was a little simple and childish at times, but overall this book was fascinating.
Content:
Sexuality/nudity: one character is gay and there is brief graphic description of the aftereffects of gay sex. Some kissing.
Violence/Gore: this is a novel about the holocaust so there are scenes describing what the people went through.
Language: minor swearing
Drugs/alcohol: none
Frightening/intense scenes: some of the description of the war scenes can be seen as disturbing.
I loved how the Author implemented WWII into the story. It added a lot of depth and created an interesting twist. The dialogue was a little simple and childish at times, but overall this book was fascinating.
Content:
Sexuality/nudity: one character is gay and there is brief graphic description of the aftereffects of gay sex. Some kissing.
Violence/Gore: this is a novel about the holocaust so there are scenes describing what the people went through.
Language: minor swearing
Drugs/alcohol: none
Frightening/intense scenes: some of the description of the war scenes can be seen as disturbing.
Read this for my fantasy literature class. I was on the fence about my rating because I liked the concept and the story itself is one that needs to be told, however I was not the biggest fan of Yolen's execution of it.
Check out my review on Blogger's Bookshelf!
http://bloggersbookshelf.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/briar-rose-jane-yolen-reviewed-by-ria.html
http://bloggersbookshelf.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/briar-rose-jane-yolen-reviewed-by-ria.html
Hard but beautiful read. I was previewing this for my daughter to see if it was okay for a 12-year-old to read. The holocaust horrors were, as expected, extremely difficult, but the main reason I chose not to let her read it yet was due to the sexual content.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Genocide, Homophobia, Antisemitism
Minor: Torture
I think I would have LOVED this book as a 13 year old. Maybe Kira should read it. I'm reading it for the district's high school literature selection committee and wouldn't have finished it if I wasn't. The writing is less than stellar, the story predictable, and it contained an odd mix of a G-rated tone, with a few PG-13 moments thrown in. It just didn't fit well together. There are a few nice moments, but overall not a favorite. I loved McKinley's Beauty (whom the author refers to) but read it years and years ago. I wonder if I'd still love it now.