A review by proudtobeabookaholic
Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Cinderella is long since dead, but not her story. Every girl has to recite it every day, from when they're tiny until the ball when they have the chance of being chosen as wife to a man. But Sophia doesn't want to be chosen by a man. She's in love with Erin, but that's not acceptable. Sophia tries to prompt Erin to run away with her before the ball, but Erin wants them to abide by the King's laws - no matter how unfair they are. Sophia refuses to give up, but to resist the King may lead to death...

A delightful and different twist of Cinderella! The crown approved version of the story is actually pretty far from the truth. With it the King has gathered unprecedented power of the people and anyone trying to oppose is punished with death. It's mostly women who suffer under the King's laws, and it's clear they're considered less valuable than men. It's really frustrating to read, especially when we know there are women suffering like this in some parts of the world, even today. Sophia refuses to accept this, but I wouldn't call her a classic heroine. She's afraid and doesn't quite know what to do, but she's still intent on making a change. At the beginning she's alone, but then she meets Constance, a descendant of one of Cinderella's step sisters. She's got the real story about Cinderella, the ball and Prince Charming, and together they plan to overthrow the King. 

I enjoyed this book very much and I was always eager to pick it up and continue reading again! I like that the main character is a black, gay woman; it's a great contrast to the original story. I also appreciate that Sophia is very human, and someone who eventually can't stand the life she's meant to live. She decides that she and every other woman is worth more. A strong feministic message! I definitely want to read more by Kalynn Bayron!
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