By Gail Carson Levine
In this incredible novel comes the entertaining story of Ella of Frell, who at birth was given the gift of obedience by the fairy Lucinda. Ella soon realizes that this gift is little better than a curse, for how could 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? She goes on a quest to find Lucinda to beg her to take it off, but she doesn't succeed. She meets a handsome prince who writes to her often and one day her writes her and asks her to marry him, but she has to decline because she is afraid her curse might end up hurting him. 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 a funny yet richly poignant and has all the marks of a classic in the making.
What are the critics Saying?
"This lighthearted fantasy and recent Newberry Honor book re-invents the Cinderella story. A winning combination of memorable characters and an alluring fantasy realm."
-Publishers weekly
I love this book. It came out in 1997 and even though i was older, i read it and i was "enchanted". The good thing about this book is that it is based off of the classic Cinderella story yet it has many modern and different elements such as a benefit for the bubonic plague and fairy retirement. Plus Ella is so much different from the classic super kind and perfect Cinderella character. She is kinda ackward, funny, and miserable. Actually the beggining is rather sad with quickly turns it into a not so typical fantasy tale. But definetly read it if you like the Cinderella story or even if you don't.
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