An absolut must read!

Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Let me start by saying that this is a wonderful book.

All through the book I had the suspicion, that the author had heavy doubts about the value of fairy tales, but nevertheless her own story is a very good one, that serves the same purpose those old ones, for example collected by the brothers Grimm were supposed to have.

I had to study astrology with Wolfgang Döbereiner to begin to understand the hidden messages in Aschenputtel (Cinderella in German), Schneewittchen (Snow White), Hänsel and Gretel (that doesn’t need a translation I think) and all the others.

Kalynn Bayron isn’t hiding her message, though, for her it seems the time was right to speak the truth. She tells a gripping tale of how a narrative, if it is only repeated publicly and with conviction supported by fear in the audience becomes more and more a truth for those who fear. Does that ring a bell in the current situation for you? I am not sure, if she knew herself what meaning she was bringing across, but for me, after having used the Grimm’s fairy tale imagery in hundreds of personal counsellings to explain to my clients the roots of their behavioural patterns, it is as clear as daylight.

Kalynn Baron writes a gripping tale in first person narrative, that has you rooting with Sophia pretty much from page one. The tender love Sophia has for her friend Erin, her friendship with Liv everything is just so life-like it resonates deep down in the reader. I wont go into any more of the story to avoid spoilers, but I’ll tell you that it is highly likely, that once you have started it you won’t be able to put it down again.

I won’t go into, here, what the Disney travesties of the old fairy tales have as effect, that question you have to answer for yourselves, if your younger than forty. I am sure, that if you go into that again after having read “Cinderella is Dead” you might not be all that pleased with your answer.

This is a very important book in my opinion and should be read in class by as many young people as possible.



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