SYNOPSIS

Sophia lives in town named, Mersailles, 200 years after Cinderella’s death. King Manford rules over the town with Cinderella’s story in mind. In this town, women can’t earn money or be head of household. When they turn of age, they must attend the annual ball where they need to be dressed to the nines, as if they visited the were visited by the fairy godmother like Cinderella was. Sophia hates this long standing tradition and is looking for a way out. She wants to be with her best friend, Erin, who is too fearful of the consequences. On the day of the ball, Sophia runs away. The King, who wants to make an example of her, is after her. What could possibly happen?

MY REVIEW AND RECAP

This retelling was straight to the point and it makes it a quick read. It is told in a single narrator perspective by Sophia. She is considered to be stubborn and rebellious, but she really just believes the way everyone is living is unfair and is unwilling to compromise in her beliefs.

Her parents are in a difficult position. They know she is gay and marrying a man is not in her plans. They know she rightly hates the way of the world and how women are treated. It’s obvious she doesn’t want to attend the ball. However, it is the law and they could all lose their lives if they don’t comply. Do they support her defiance in the King knowing she could die or force her into an unhappy life and marriage?

The families with money are better off because they can get the best resources to dress their daughters up for the ball. At the ball, the girls have to go with any man who picks them. It doesn’t matter how old, mean, or abusive. They’re not allowed to leave the marriage either. If they don’t get picked, they’re considered a forfeit and sent to the castle, never to be seen again.

Sophia is headstrong until the end. She doesn’t take no for an answer and rarely follows the crowd. She doesn’t let fear stop her. After leaving the ball, she knows either the King has to die or she will. With the help of Constance, who she meets along the way, she has a mission to complete.

SPOILERS AHEAD

I wish she understood Erin’s critiques more. Erin wanted to protect her family and was too scared to run. I think her reasonings were valid even if they were heartbreaking. Not everyone is a hero but it doesn’t make them a villain. Most people are just trying to survive. I think she was turned to be so cold so that Sophia could be with Constance. It’s the only thing I didn’t really like about the book.

Also, Amina, who was considered Cinderella’s fairy godmother but was actually a witch, could have chosen not to help them at any point during their mission. She chose not to stop her son, which could’ve been explained more. But she also saw how she was going to die and went with it anyway.

END OF SPOILERS

Another theme throughout this book is that we are not alone and we can be the change. Outside sources may try to convince us we are not special or capable, but it is only to diminish our spirits.

OVERALL

I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. The ending was satisfying. The twist was as to be expected.

It’s an interesting parallel to our real life circumstances though. I hope it serves as a reminder for all of us to use our voices in any way we can. Stripping groups of people of power and autonomy happens subtlety over time. We need to be diligent.