Ella Enchanted

Ella Enchanted
by Gail Carson Levine

Ella Enchanted
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Book Summary Information

Author: Gail Carson Levine
Edition: Library Binding
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1997-05-30
ISBN: 0060275111
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: HarperCollins

Book Reviews of Ella Enchanted

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

Our (Cinder)-Ella is a dedicated young lady who has been "cursed" at birth by an inconsiderate fairy with the Gift (as she insists it is) of Obedience! She becomes physically ill when she tries to delay, resist or ignore a command; after enduring horrible suffering for disobedience, she ultimately surrenders to the speaker's will. Thus she can be manipulated by selfish, spiteful people into doing things against her heart's desire and best interests--even if they do not realize the details of her instant cooperation. Is there no way for her to get free of this curse, so she may live a normal life?

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

How can a fairy's
blessing be such a curse?

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


Every child longs for the day when he or she will be free from meddling parents and bossy grownups. For young Ella, the heroine of Gail Carson Levine's Newbury Honor-winning debut novel, this is more than a fanciful wish; it could be a matter of life or death. Placed under the spell of a blundering fairy, she has no choice but to go through life obeying each and every order--no matter what the consequences may be. "If you commanded me to cut off my own head, I'd have to do it."

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

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