Reviews: (by author)

(2 Reviews)

McKinley, Robin. Spindle's End: A Tale of Magic and Adventure. London: Corgi Books, 2003. ISBN: 0-552-54822-7.

This delightful novel length retelling of Sleeping Beauty takes us into a wonderful world where magic integrates itself into everyday life. Cursed on her "name day," the infant princess is sent into hiding with a young apprentice fairy, Katriona. Rosie, unaware of her true identity, grows up like any other child in "The Gig," a remote part of the country. Following the dreaded Name Day event, the evil fairy Pernicia leaves a dark cloud over the land, sending her searching spell into the remotest parts of the wild, looking for the cursed princess to take her revenge on the royal family. Aunt and Katriona protect Rosie as best they can and manage to keep her safe until close to her twenty-first birthday when she learns that she is really the princess that she has heard about all of her life. Rosie's life takes a dramatic turn and the spirited girl from the Gig does not give into the curse without a fight.

In addition to the traditional "Sleeping Beauty" tale, McKinley creates an elaborate world of fairies, wizards, and sentient animals and houses. At times, it can be difficult to follow the references she makes to the foreign customs and traditions of this country. However, the narrative eventually explains itself and makes it all worthwhile. The adventure of Rosie and her loved ones is a tale that should not be missed.

Highly recommended.

K.C. June '03

 

McKinley, Robin. Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast. Oxford: David Fickling Books, 2003 (reprint of 1978 edition). ISBN: 0-385-60480-7.

In her first book, Robin McKinley presents a novel length version of the classic tale "Beauty and the Beast." The beauty of her older sisters shadows Beauty, who gains her nickname from a childish comment made when she was only five years old. However, the gangly young adolescent finds solace studying the classics and riding horses. When her father loses his fortune the family must relocate to the countryside. While it is a difficult transition, Beauty finds her niche working for the family with her beloved horse, Greatheart.

Hearing news of his lost fleet, Beauty's father returns to the city to recover his lost fortune. However, his ships are in disrepair and there is little to recover. Returning home, he loses his way in a winter storm and stumbles upon an enchanted castle, where he seeks shelter. As he departs, he takes a rose for his hardworking daughter. This angers the beast and sets the events of the well-known tale in motion. Beauty offers a unique twist on the classic tale, developing a lovely cast of characters that enhance the beloved story of a young woman who learns to see beyond beastly appearances.

Recommended.

K.C. June '03

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