Cinderella. That was the first thought that popped into my head when I saw the title of this book. Never again.
This is a fierce re-telling of my all-time favourite fairytale, from the long misunderstood woman we have all loved to hate, since we were little, the wicked step-mother. And it’s brilliant.
We finally see her as a woman, a widow who lost the love of her life tragically, something that was hinted at all along but never explained. We see her as a mother and an independent woman in a time when there was no protection and zero rights for such a person.
Rachel Hochhauser writes beautifully, and this book will stay with me for a very, very long time.
Some of my favourite authors reviewed Lady Tremaine: Emilia Hart (Weyward and Sirens), Kate Quinn (The Astral Library, The Rose Code, The Alice Networks, and so many more) and Glennon Doyle (We Can Do Hard Things and Untamed). They sing her praises, and I add mine to theirs. This book is the battle cry we need for this world we’re in! This is the voice we need echoing in our minds.
In this version, there are no magical pumpkins and no fairy godmother. It’s a story of love, grit, determination and hardship. A story of women and how hard life is. Yet somehow, without all the magic, it left me feeling empowered, compassionate and ready to stand up for what I believe in. And that’s magical.
I have multiple copies at the bookstore – you’d better come get one, this one is at the top of my list!
