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Monday, January 05, 2009

Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine

I had heard of the Ella Enchanted movie (haven't seen it), but didn't really pay much attention to the book until Sarah (Library Hospital) reviewed it. If Sarah enjoyed the book I figured I would too and I was not mistaken in my assumption.

When you think of the Ella Enchanted, the book, think Robin McKinley for young girls. In other words, this is Gail Carson Levine's attempt to write a variation on the theme of Cinderella. It is yet another retelling and it done quite cleverly. I enjoyed it.

In this story, Ella, our fifteen year old protagonist, is given a gift by a fairy when she is born. The fairy makes her always obedient. That would seem like a good spell to cast on any child but as you read this story you come to realize that such a spell is more of a curse than a blessing. Ella is unable not to follow the commands given by other people. Therefore she has to be careful not to tell anyone of her inability to be disobedient and as we are shown, if the wrong people find out about her curse, it can have disastrous results. Naturally, this being a fairy tale, a prince is involved who falls in love with our (very) young maiden and happily ever after is eventually achieved. (Fairy tales are rather predictable that way.)

While I did think this story was cute, clever and funny there were also aspects of it that bugged me. I probably wouldn't hand it over to any daughter of mine without some discussion. It is a little weird to hear a fifteen year old talking about a deep committed relationship with someone and that caught me off guard. There is also the aspect of her present and yet absent father. Her father spent most of her growing up years away from home and when he was home he rather appreciated her being out of sight. There is no love loss between them and so if you want to build good family relationships in your home (and if you have them established!) the hands-off approach to parenting which is displayed in this book would be disturbing to you. Ella's mother, who dies suddenly, is presented as the real parent who truly loved her daughter. Ella's father is the wandering cad. I didn't care for that aspect of the book.

That being said, it is still fun, fluffy fiction and I thoroughly enjoyed it for that. It's really cute but there are a few things about it that give me pause. This story by Levine is perfectly clean and I want to make that clear. It is a good book to make a chick flick out of although as Sarah mentioned, the book and movie have little in common. It's whimsical, it's lovable and creative. In short, it's fun. For my part, Ella Enchanted was a fabulous entertaining read but I'm not overly attached to it.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I listened to the audiobook back six or seven years ago. I thought it was fun, and the reader (?) did a good job.

Kailana said...

I'd probably like this book, but I have never got around to reading it.

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...

I read this a few years ago and had some similar issues with it, but it was definately a fun, easy read..

Sarah M. said...

Oh! I'm glad you read this and enjoyed it, albeit a few items. :) Thanks for posting your own review! (And for the link to mine.) :)

Unknown said...

I loved it too (and so did Amanda).

If you want to update your link with this one, it is available in paperback. For some reason, the image just doesn't show up when you search it. I got to it by searching by author. Odd.

Carrie said...

(Thanks, Jennifer! I updated the link.)

Anonymous said...

If you think that the book is light and fluffy than you'll think that the movie is even more so! My 7 year old niece could watch it over and over.

Stephanie Kay said...

I've seen the movie but haven't read the book. I vaguely remember liking the movie and thinking it was cute.

FatalisFortuna said...

I saw the movie and loved it, but when I tried to read the book I was bored. If you see the movie don't expect it to be the same... it's more modern and quirky, and more fast-paced.

Framed said...

I've had this book on the shelves for a couple of years and really need to get to it. It sounds like one to read when I need something light.

Meg89 said...

I remember reading this in middle school, a friend of mine was obsessed with it! I don't remember much about it, except I enjoyed the book, but not the movie.

caribookscoops said...

I loved Ella Enchanted and it's been a while since I read it. I didn't care much for the movie. I hadn't thought about the concerns over the dead beat dad and getting in a serious relationship. Good idea to discuss it before hand.

Anonymous said...

Ella enchanted is so, beautiful movie,...

i love it...

it contain mixed emotions....

Amber said...

It's the only book where I've preferred the movie! The book was so-so for me.

Anonymous said...

Its a clever retelling of cinderella and i was much surprised at how good the book turned out being apprehensive about a retelling of the popular fairy tale.I never thought about the aspects mentioned in the review but i can assure it is a good read!

Anonymous said...

Its a clever retelling of cinderella and i was much surprised at how good the book turned out being apprehensive about a retelling of the popular fairy tale.I never thought about the aspects mentioned in the review but i can assure it is a good read!

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