chrissiesbooknook 's review for:

Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth

3.0

medium-paced

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Bitter Greens is an ambitious and intricately woven novel that combines history, fairy tale, and magic. It reimagines Rapunzel through the lens of historical fiction, centering on three women: Charlotte-Rose de Caumont de La Force, the real-life writer of the fairy tale; Margherita, a young girl locked in a tower; and Selena Leonelli, the witch who holds her captive.

Forsyth’s writing is beautifully descriptive, and the historical settings—17th-century France and Renaissance Italy—are richly detailed. The novel explores themes of female resilience, power, and survival in a patriarchal world, which adds depth to the fairy tale elements.

However, the book isn’t without its flaws. The pacing is uneven, with some sections dragging, particularly in Charlotte-Rose’s storyline. While the multiple perspectives add complexity, they also slow the momentum at times. Additionally, some of the darker themes may not be for everyone, as certain parts of the story are quite grim.

Overall, Bitter Greens is an interesting and well-researched take on Rapunzel, but it didn’t fully captivate me. While the prose and historical detail are impressive, the slow pacing and occasionally heavy-handed storytelling made it a bit of a challenge to get through. Worth a read for fans of historical fiction and fairy tale retellings, but not a standout for me. 

*Thank you to NetGalley, and Allison & Busby, for sending me a copy of this book and allowing me to read it. This review is left voluntarily and entirely my own opinion.*