Zel
by Donna Jo Napoli
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Read in July, 2008
Zel is a retelling of Rapunzel, which you probably know is one of the most messed-up fairy tales in a world of very messed-up fairy tales. And this is adapted from the original & unedited version. You know, the whole witch-tricks-someone-into-trading-a-baby-for-lettuce, has-unhealthy-obsession-with-daughter, locks-daughter-in-tower-to-keep-her-from-having-a-life thing? Yeaaaah. And this book covers some uncovered bases, too - like the mental effect the imprisonment has on poor Zel. Her ...more
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This story reads differently, in large part because it was told in present tense. But there was more wrong with it than that, which I could have gotten used to eventually. Perhaps the author was attempting to make the story seem surreal but the overall tone was beyond surreal to disjointed.
Her characters acted insanely, though only one had a justified reason to. None of the characters were likable, or really well developed. Overall the whole story was slightly disturbing, and not somet...more
Her characters acted insanely, though only one had a justified reason to. None of the characters were likable, or really well developed. Overall the whole story was slightly disturbing, and not somet...more
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Read in October, 2007
this is a well thought out revisitation of the story "rapunzel". a more detailed version of the classic fairy tale, "Zel" writes from the point of view of zel, her 'mother' (the witch), and the boy who falls in love with zel, konrad. although written more to target a younger audience, it's still a good book and especially zel's reaction to being locked in the tower is far more realistic than the more common portrayal of her situation. the ending was also a little wierd, but y...more
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This is a re-telling of the story Rapunzel. It's interesting to read because it tells the story in first person from the points of view of Mother (the witch), Zel, and Konrad (the man that falls in love with her.) She tells the story in a way that makes it seem more real and less fairytale. It sort of ruined the story for me though because it seemed almost more disturbing than romantic if you think about it too much. I still enjoyed reading it though, but this probably isn't a book for young ...more
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Read in April, 2008
This is a retelling of the story Rapunzel set in fifteenth/sixteenth century Switzerland. The author does a good job of being authentic to the time period, weaving into it elements of magic. It was written in present tense, which was a little distracting, but the the writing was beautiful. I only gave it three stars because I didn't love it. It was nice and an interesting take on the story, but it didn't move me like other books have.
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Read in February, 2007
recommends it for:
fairy tale fans 12 and up
I love Donna Jo Napoli's creative retellings of fairytales. By changing a few details, she gives a fresh perspective to these old stories and creates sympathy for the "bad guys."
Zel is a retelling of Rapunzel which examines the witch's motives for locking Zel in a tower and also the effect of this isolation on Zel's sanity. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Zel, her mother, and Count Konrad.
Zel is a retelling of Rapunzel which examines the witch's motives for locking Zel in a tower and also the effect of this isolation on Zel's sanity. The story is told from the alternating perspectives of Zel, her mother, and Count Konrad.
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I liked this a lot. It was a bit simple and a bit emotional, but I've always been a sucker for fairy tales (and Rapunzel's one of my favorites). I loved the different perspectives of the narrators, and I really enjoy feeling sorry for the witch characters in these folk tales. I would have liked more development in Konrad and Zel's time apart, but I suppose there's just not that much to discuss.
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Read in July, 2003
recommends it for:
Lovers of fairytale re-tellings
This is one of the most haunting, psychological fairytale re-tellings I've ever read. (Well, ok, short of <i>The Magic Circle<i> by the same author!) In this book, Napoli tells the story of Rapunzel from Rapunzel, the prince, and the witch's perspectives, giving a fully realized, powerful interpretation of the events. Definitely not for young teens, but worth the read!
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Read in January, 2005
Wonderful retelling of Rapunzel from one of my favourite writers, like, evah! The role of the witch-mother figure in Napoli's fairy tale retellings is always fascinating and revealing. In Zel, the question of mother love and guilt is at the heart of the drama, and I also love how Napoli explores the psychological effects of imprisonment on Rapunzel.
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Read in October, 2007
This story is deep and melancholy and left me feeling depressed. Some graphic scenes are rather disturbing, and the sex scene kind of ruined it for me (bumped the book into a more mature category than is appropriate for its audience).
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Read in January, 2008
While I generally like Napoli's books, I didn't enjoy this one very much. It felt overly similar to her Magic Circle, but not nearly as well put together. The characters were rather weak, and much of the plot felt contrived and/or hurried. The use of first and third person together was interesting, but ended up feeling disjointed.
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Read in April, 2008
I have been pre-reading books that my girls want to read. This is a retelling of Repunzel. It was in the juvenile section of the library. Probably appropriate for a 13 to 14 year old. I enjoyed seeing the story from the Mother's point of view.
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Very different and a little dark. But I loved the wisdom and humanity that was written into this fantastic re-telling of Rapunzel. Actually, when I read it, I had no idea that is was the Rapunzel story and only became aware of it right at the end.
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Read in March, 2008
I've only read the first 50 pages of this book, but I can see that it is worth reading. The cool thing about this book that makes it different is that it is told from 3 points of view. As I read more I'll have more information on it.
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This re-telling of 'Rapunzel' manages to be both original and faithful to the old fairy tale. In the vein of 'Wicked,' the author attempts to portray the motivation behind the mother turned witch. Hard to put down.
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Read in March, 2008
recommended to Nikolina100 by:
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Ew, what a worthless book, the main character was so annoying I didn't care that she was locked up in her tower, and I found some of the things she did simply disgraceful. I would never recommend this book.
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A psychological study of the story of Rapunzel and her mother. Quite dark and grownup; a YA book. I very much enjoyed it; the twist on the familiar tale was interesting as was the style of the novel.
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Read in June, 2005
recommends it for:
fairy tale lovers
umm i'm pretty sure i read this book once upon a time, but i can't remember any of it! it is a remake of a fairy tale-- here rapunzel--like all of donna jo napoli's books. sorry i can't write more...
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