Carolyn's review
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister: A Novel
by Gregory Maguire
Carolyn's review
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister: A Novel by Gregory Maguire
Carolyn's review
rating:
There were some details in this book that had 'Cinderella' written all over them (step-sisters/step-mother, a ball, a prince, a lost shoe) but the bulk of the story lies outside of the original fairy-tale. The 'Cindergirl' of this story, though beautiful, lacks the more admirable qualities of her beauty-challenged stepsister. It's the stepsister who ultimately finds her own kind of happiness, although without the infamous prince. Her story is the main focus, revolving around her misguided mother and slow-witted sister (and eventually her step-sister Clara/Cindergirl), as well as her own time spent in an artists studio, where she discovers she has an eye, if not a skilled hand, for art. She also discovers some unrequited love for the painter's apprentice, who, having an eye for beauty, is more taken by Clara.
I thought the story was well-written and vividly descriptive without becoming a tedious read. The story kept a quick pace, not getting mired down by too much information but s...more
I thought the story was well-written and vividly descriptive without becoming a tedious read. The story kept a quick pace, not getting mired down by too much information but s...more
