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A review by hickorynut
Fairest by Gail Carson Levine
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An enjoyable adventure focused on Aza, a commoner adopted as an unknown infant by an innkeeper couple. She has a special ability to throw her singing voice and mimic others, leading to her being brought into court life to attend the new queen. This follows her path as she finds her place amongst the court, balances her safety with the needs of her people, finds love, and helps secure the future of her kingdom.
Aza believes she is ugly, and others often stare or comment on her stature and coloring. She seeks beauty, but ultimately learns to love and embrace her own self with the support of her loved ones. I was wary that this would end in a way in which Aza's appearance had been permanently "improved" which could negatively impact vulnerable readers, but instead it focused on her true self and finding her confidence.
Aza believes she is ugly, and others often stare or comment on her stature and coloring. She seeks beauty, but ultimately learns to love and embrace her own self with the support of her loved ones. I was wary that this would end in a way in which Aza's appearance had been permanently "improved" which could negatively impact vulnerable readers, but instead it focused on her true self and finding her confidence.