This was a pleasure to read-even as an adult. I also couldn’t remember how it resolved, so I got super-invested in the story.
Ella is really easy to connect to. She is a real young woman. Sometimes she would get petulant, but that’s normal for teenagers. She’s also really nice, but not a paragon of femininity like a lot of Cinderella characters.
And the romance between Ella and Char is adorable. They become friends and talk to each other so much. I need more of that! And it really helps build a wonderful and beautiful romantic relationship.
The romance is not the main focus of this. It is Ella’s story as she lives her life with a curse/blessing of obedience. You really feel the frustration of her curse and how limiting it is for her. Ella completely loses any agency. She also goes through a lot: ogres, evil stepsisters, and finishing school. And the story takes place over a year. But it also goes by so fast.
I’ve never had a problem with the movie even though it’s a terrible adaptation. But I may be more bothered by it this time. The book is just so perfect as it is. This is an amazing read and I highly recommend it for anyone, but especially young girls.
Thanks for reading!
Holly