Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Fairytale Retelling. 240 ages. 5 Stars
Synopsis:
At birth, Ella is inadvertently cursed by an imprudent young fairy named Lucinda, who bestows on her the “gift” of obedience. Anything anyone tells her to do, Ella must obey. Another girl might have been cowed by this affliction, but not feisty Ella: “Instead of making me docile, Lucinda’s curse made a rebel of me. Or perhaps I was that way naturally.” When her beloved mother dies, leaving her in the care of a mostly absent and avaricious father, and later, a loathsome stepmother and two treacherous stepsisters, Ella’s life and well-being seem to be in grave peril. But her intelligence and saucy nature keep her in good stead as she sets out on a quest for freedom and self-discovery as she tries to track down Lucinda to undo the curse, fending off ogres, befriending elves, and falling in love with a prince along the way. Yes, there is a pumpkin coach, a glass slipper, and a happily ever after, but this is the most remarkable, delightful, and profound version of Cinderella you’ll ever read.
Gail Carson Levine’s examination of traditional female roles in fairy tales takes some satisfying twists and deviations from the original. Ella is bound by obedience against her will, and takes matters in her own hands with ambition and verve. Her relationship with the prince is balanced and based on humor and mutual respect; in fact, it is she who ultimately rescues him. Ella Enchanted has won many well-deserved awards, including a Newbery Honor.
My Review:
Ahh, my beloved Ella Enchanted. This poor book is so well-worn that it’s falling apart. I’ve taped up the spine and some of the pages, but I just can’t give it up. They don’t make this cover any more and it’s by far my favorite cover. But even more so, I love the story between the pages!
Somehow I end up rereading this one every couple of years. It’s no mystery why I keep going back ot it, but it is kind of funny how it seems almost like my brain says “it’s been long enough, time for Ella again” on an unplanned, yet eerily routine sort of schedule (one I never noticed until GR came out with the superb rereading tracking feature).
Every time I reread, this remains one of my absolute favorites! I love the adventure and sweet, slowly-brewed romance. I love the friendships and the rivalries. Ella’s deep love for her mother and Mandy brightly contrast against the torture of Hattie’s selfishness and Olive’s complete dimwittedness. Sir Peter’s underhanded nature, his misplaced priorities, and even his detached and callous nature toward his own daughter. The sticky way Dame Olga permeates the pages like an old woman’s perfume. The brief, but still sweet companionship of Areida that leaves you hungry for more, the humble nobility of Slannon, and the cheerful disposition of Uaaxxee. And, of course, the silly, elegant Lucinda and the delightfully charming Char. Levine’s cast is timeless, dynamic, and the heart of what makes this story so beloved.
Every single character leaps off the page and worm their way into your heart. These aren’t just characters in a book, but some of my oldest friends. When I’m down, these guys never fail to lift my spirits.
The fairytale world brims with just enough magic to make the setting pulse and draw you in, but the creatures and cultures are what really make this world pop for me. I love the elves, gnomes, ogres, and giants. We get to see bits of each on Ella’s journey to find Lucinda, which creates a beautiful variety in the world. I love how they aren’t just showcased, but they’re threaded into the plot as necessity and become part of Ella’s character. I love her propensity for languages and delight in finding new bits and pieces in the world. They’re parts of her I’ve always connected with: the love of travel and language and culture. I love her delight in learning new things and her bold, brave determination to pave her own path. She’s compassionate, intelligent, sassy, and still beautifully loyal – a heroine worth looking up to.
This novel is so rich with description and so lively with images. Levine is a craftsman who brings the magic into her very writing style. It creates an ease that invites the reader in as if to settle by a hearth and hear a cozy tale. The plot is magnificently spun with tender care. Levine has been one of my favorite authors since I was a preteen. And this is the book that sealed the deal for me (this and The Two Princesses of Bamarre, of course). I would highly recommend this brilliant retelling of the classic Cinderella story to any reader of any age who enjoys clever fairytale retellings.
Gah! I just freaking love this book!!! Every time I read it, I blush, I tear up, I laugh, and I want to just gobble it up again and again! It’s worth savoring and diving into countless times.
Listened to the audiobook one time, and quite enjoyed it. I think I prefer reading it myself, but it kept me company as I drove all day. Also, this is the first time I’ve stopped to wonder whatever happened to Chock!
More:
Originally a standalone, Ella Enchanted (5 Stars) now has both a companion novel and a prequel.
The companion novel is Fairest (5 Stars)
The prequel is Ogre Enchanted (4 Stars)
Each of the books in the “series” can be read as a standalone. Ogre Enchanted particularly has nothing to do with Fairest. However, there are loose ties or “nods” to Ella Enchanted in Fairest. And there are several crossover characters from Ella Enchanted to Ogre Enchanted. I would not recommend reading Ogre Enchanted first. My personal recommendation is to start with Ella Enchanted, then read Fairest, and lastly, Ogre Enchanted.
You can see reviews and learn more on Goodreads with the links above!
On GraceBought
See my thoughts on the other two books in the series here:
If you enjoyed Ella Enchanted, check out these other Cinderella retellings:
Glass Across the Sea, Cinderella and the Colonel, Cinders, Stars, and Glass Slippers, Fated: Cinderella’s Story, Ellie and the Prince, and The Midnight Blizzard
Don’t miss the FREE CINDERELLA RETELLING GUIDE here with 34+ Cinderella Retellings!
