"Stepsister" is more than just a retelling-- it's a story in its own right: a feminist, richly woven tale of a girl rising in the harshest of circumstances. At its heart, it's a book about the currency of beauty and the value of women who are beautiful and subservient... when good looks and a demure nature are what's expected of you, how does a smart, sassy, normal girl get by?
When I picked up this book, I vehemently believed that no twist could make me empathize for the "wicked" stepsisters. We all know the story, and we all know who the "bad guys" are in it. But Donnelly's story had me questioning my stereotypes and preconceived notions from the off, as she manages to tell exactly the story we're familiar with in a way that's startlingly new.
Highly recommend!
When I picked up this book, I vehemently believed that no twist could make me empathize for the "wicked" stepsisters. We all know the story, and we all know who the "bad guys" are in it. But Donnelly's story had me questioning my stereotypes and preconceived notions from the off, as she manages to tell exactly the story we're familiar with in a way that's startlingly new.
Highly recommend!