The Legend of Rosepetal

by Clemens Brentano, Lisbeth Zwerger (Illustrator)

A lover of roses with most of her kingdon made into a rose garden, Princess Rosalina makes a pact with an old enchantress to obtain the most beautiful rosebush of all.

Genres: Picture Books, Classics

25 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978

About the author

Clemens Wenzeslaus Brentano de La Roche was a leading German Romantic poet and novelist.

Reviews

[Marsha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Proceeding at a pace that leaves you almost breathless in its relentlessness, this Germanic fairy tale contains rather unusual elements, including a magical meddler who may or may not be a wicked witch, a proud but not necessarily unkind princess, a selfless prince whose sacrifice brings him into a strange contract with his beloved and an enchanted sleeper comes about through nastiness rather than true evil.

The elements seem familiar but combine in bizarre and unexpected ways. Prophecies, poetry, contests, crowning glories and glass coffins swan in and out of this dizzying folk tale. The plain prose is aptly grounded by the sepia-toned illustrations by Lisbeth Zwerger which lend a down-to-earth quality to this strange story.

With its tale of love found, lost and found again, kindness rewarded and cruelty punished, “Rosepetal” is definitely worth reading to children who may be jaded by the usual Disney-flavored Grimm fare.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exquisite fairy tale by the German Romantic author who, late in life, became a devout Catholic and wrote the famous book The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This edition was illustrated by the inimitable Lisbeth Zwerger. The tale, the fine illustrations, and the scarcity of Brentano's work in English translation--all these things combine to make copies of this book true keepsakes.

[Joanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have the English edition of this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vivid childhood memories about reading this book and looking at the wonderful pictures. Priceless.