Stepsister

Throwing in the towel at chapter 107.

I normally love Jennifer Donnelly's books but this was a huge miss.

First, there are the characters of Chance and Fate. Tbh I found them completely unnecessary and a waste of chapter space. They don't bring much to the story except to steal the focus from the main characters and their actions. I felt the same way with the extra characters in her Beauty and the Beast story. They take away from the true story.

Now for the stepsister and her family. Jennifer does her best to make them redeeming, but what a challenge. Years of bullying and being cruel to Ella and we're supposed to believe they have changed over a matter of days? All because she's finally bullied for cutting off her toes?

On the plus side, Jennifer is great at writing just the right amount of romance an action. Those elements are solid 5 stars. But giving it 2 because the rest was just boring and painful to read.

I thought I was getting a romance and bibbidi bobbidi boo shit..and never have I ever been more happy to be wrong.
It was about redemption, courage, fighting fate, taking a chance on yourself, learning that sometimes what you believe about yourself hurts you more than the cruelty people throw your way.

Authentic Read


When venturing into the realm of unfamiliar authors, I typically rely on one of two methods: either I'm drawn in by an enticing cover or I delve into some research. In the case of this particular author, whose name came highly recommended by several friends on Goodreads, coupled with the allure of her retellings, I found myself eagerly embracing her work, making this book my inaugural choice, with the promise of many more to come. And let me tell you, folks, this book may currently be flying under the radar, but it absolutely shouldn't be!

While history books often attribute the onset of wars to kings, dukes, and generals, “Stepsister” challenges this notion, asserting that wars are ignited by the collective apathy and silence of individuals like you and me. As the narrative unfolds, it swiftly engulfs readers in a darker rendition of a familiar tale, delving into the harsh realities of societal expectations, the plight of women in both historical and contemporary contexts, and the grim specter of war. Yet, amidst these weighty themes, there's also a poignant exploration of sacrifice, as the stepsisters metaphorically sever parts of themselves in pursuit of societal approval and the elusive promise of happiness.

“‘Ella is the beauty. You and I are the ugly stepsister. And so the world reduces us, all three of us, to our lowest common denominator.'“

“Stepsister” charts the aftermath of Cinderella's happily ever after, delving into the lives of her stepsisters and stepmother, who find themselves ostracized and scorned in the wake of Ella's ascension. It's a narrative of shame, regret, and the arduous journey towards self-acceptance. Through the eyes of these characters, we witness the profound complexities of identity, as they grapple with the consequences of conforming to societal standards and the desperate desire to reclaim lost parts of themselves.

Jennifer Donnelly's prose is nothing short of enchanting, weaving together feminist insights with moments of uproarious humor and poignant introspection. While I initially approached this book with modest expectations, I was swiftly captivated by its narrative depth and emotional resonance. My advice to fellow readers? Approach “Stepsister” with an open mind and prepare to be swept away. You'll undoubtedly find yourself resonating with one of the sisters, as I did, and perhaps, like me, you'll emerge from its pages with a renewed appreciation for the importance of authenticity.