Thursday, December 3, 2009

Ella Enchanted



I just finished reading this Newberry Honor award winning novel.

I will admit, I almost didn't finish it. This novel has many similarities to the story of Cinderella and I love the character of Cinderella. No matter what her evil stepsisters or stepmother dished out she remained gracious and unselfish. This book paints Ella in a very different light.

Ella is a young maiden from Frell. As an infant a careless fairy bestows a gift. The gift of obedience. No matter what she is told to do, she must do. Whether it's scrubbing the kitchen floor, or chopping off her own head, she must obey.

Ella is funny and likable. However, she is strong willed in spite of the horrible gift/curse of obedience.

In this story Ella's ultimate quest is to seek out Lucinda, the inconsiderate fairy who bestowed the "gift" upon her. Ella befriends a prince, meets friendly elves, attends a wedding for giants, and almost gets eaten by ogres. There she discovers she has the ability to charm them.

In spite of my early reservations I thoroughly enjoyed this maidens tale of trials, perseverance, and ultimate happy ending. The resolution was very well done. It came through the power of unselfishness. It was definitely worth the reading.

NOTE- I also saw this movie after reading the book. The book is nothing like it. So if you didn't like the movie (like I did not) give the book a chance. It is worlds different.

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5 comments:

  1. Beth MacKinneyDecember 3, 2009 at 1:39 PM

    Thanks for the great review, Christine. I saw a part of the movie and wasn't terribly impressed by it, so I'm glad to know that the book is not the same. I will check it out.

    : )
    Beth

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  2. DwightDecember 3, 2009 at 7:53 PM

    I'm so glad you posted this week. I missed your comments last week.

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  3. ChristineDecember 4, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    Thanks Dwight. I had to take Thanksgiving off. :)

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  4. LauraDecember 6, 2009 at 4:40 AM

    I will read the book as well. Thanks, Christine.

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  5. KathrynDecember 6, 2009 at 6:42 PM

    I'll have to read the book too. I saw the movie once at a birthday party. What do I have to say about it? YUCK!!!!!! It was well acted, but they took 21st century people and stuck them in a medieval enviorment. That was a terrible idea. I don't mind time travel and stuff like that, but medieval people acting like modern people I have a problem with.

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