Ella Enchanted
by Gail Carson Levine

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Book Reviews of Ella Enchanted

Book Review: THE MAGIC OF THE HUMAN HEART
Summary: 4 Stars

The only daughter of Sir Peter of Frell--an often absent merchant of questionable methods--and Lady, her free-spirited mother, Ella suspects that their kindly, gray-haired cook, Mandy, might actually be a Fairy in disguise. Beware the consequences of Big Magic; her godmother balks at performing even Small magic.

But Ella is determined to to seek out the elusive, whimsical Lucinda the Beautiful, to beg her or make her (as if Ella could be giving orders!) remove the curse. Just how much does a girl have to sacrifice because of a heedless fairy: her mother's best necklace, peace of mind, the right to make her own behavioral decisions, the safety of her country, the happiness of her Prince--even her very life she were commanded to do so? The enchanted status quo simply can not be allowed to continue indefinitely.

This cleverly-expanded retelling of the famous fairy tale fleshes out a paper maiden/princess into a real human being, with all the dimensions of a young lady coming into (medieval) marriageable age. Her snobby step mum and two horrid step- sisters treat her with delicious and predictable cruelty--psychological as well as physical. And Prince Charmant is a dear, from sliding down the bannisters to finding the glass slippers.

Three Balls, two fairies and a magic Fairy Tale book ultimately conspire to help Ella help herself. But the greatest magic of all is found in t! he depths of a maiden's tender heart. The literary style immediately reminded me of Catherine, called Birdy; in fact Karen Cushman is one of three women authors who praised the book. A quick read with tons of dialogue, witty mental retorts, and surprising denouement, which will satisfy most Happy-Ever-After ending seekers!

Summary of Ella Enchanted

At her birth, Ella of Frell was the unfortunate recipient of a foolish fairy's gift--the "gift' of obedience. Ella must obey any order given to her, whether it's hopping on one foot for a day and a half, or chopping off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not tamely accept her fate. Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse--once and for all.

In this incredible debut novel comes the richly entertaining story of Ella of Frell, who at birth was given the gift of obedience by a fairy. Ella soon realizes that this gift is little better than a curse, for how can she truly be herself if at anytime anyone can order her to hop on one foot, or cut off her hand, or betray her kingdom'and she'll have to obey? Against a bold tapestry of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella's quest to break the curse once and for all and discover who she really is is as sharply funny as Catherine, Called Birdy and as richly poignant as Beauty, and has all the marks of a classic in the making.

00 Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award, 99-00 Black-Eyed Susan Award (Gr 6-9 Cat), 00 CA Young Reader Medal (Mid. School/Jr. High Cat.), 01 Blue Spruce Award Masterlist (YA Cat.), and 00 Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award (Grades 6-8 Cat.)

2000 List of Popular Paperbacks for YA and 00 Judy Lopez Memorial Award Honor Book

Eden Riegel (As the World Turns, Les Miserables) uses her youthful, energetic voice to lead the listener into a familiar world of fairy godmothers, wicked stepsisters, and handsome princes. But this imaginative retelling of the Cinderella story comes with a welcome twist. Instead of a demure heroine patiently awaiting a prince who will carry her off, this Ella is a feisty ball of fire with the courage and ambition to take matters into her own hands.

Riegel narrates in a youthful, energetic tone that is perfectly suited to Ella's character. Her voice adds charm and immediacy to a wonderful story already rich with excitement, adventure, romance, and mystery. (Running time: 5.5 hours, 4 cassettes) --George Laney

Literature Books

• Subjects > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction
• Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths
• Humor
• Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy & Magic