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A review by book_concierge
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
4.0
I really enjoyed this re-telling of the Cinderella fairy tale. Ella is the beloved daughter of Sir Peter and Lady Eleanor of Frell. Unfortunately for Ella, however, at her birth she was given a special gift by the fairy Lucinda – obedience. What Lucinda didn’t realize is that her gift was potentially a serious curse. Ella has to do anything she is ordered to do, whether to “smile” or to “throw yourself off the cliff.” You know the basic story line – stepmother and odious stepsisters, the prince’s ball, etc, so I won’t recap further.
What I find refreshing about Levine’s story is that Ella is a strong-willed, resilient, resourceful and independent young woman. She’s also kind and loving – truly a good friends. Yes, she’s lovely. And, yes, Prince Charmont is handsome. But what draws them to one another is their complimentary personalities. Their relationship unfolds over months, not just over one dance. I also like how Levine plays with language, going so far as to invent several new languages for the various communities (elves, ogres, other countries). I’d definitely recommend this for the 9-and-older reader.
What I find refreshing about Levine’s story is that Ella is a strong-willed, resilient, resourceful and independent young woman. She’s also kind and loving – truly a good friends. Yes, she’s lovely. And, yes, Prince Charmont is handsome. But what draws them to one another is their complimentary personalities. Their relationship unfolds over months, not just over one dance. I also like how Levine plays with language, going so far as to invent several new languages for the various communities (elves, ogres, other countries). I’d definitely recommend this for the 9-and-older reader.