At the death bed of her beloved grandmother, Gemma, Becca makes a promise to discover the secret of Briar Rose, the fairy tale which may lie at the heart of Gemma’s mysterious past.

This is a story I picked up at a library sale basically because I knew that the author is from my local area and that I’ve always been interested in fairy tale retellings. Insofar as the local area went I was rather tickled that of the Western Massachusetts places are ones I’m very familiar with, and even the Advocate paper, were mentioned and visited. I’ve never read a story by Jane Yolen before and I was pleased to find her writing style quite pleasant to read. The only point of disappointment that I felt is that this is another book which is purported to be “fantasy”, when in reality it is no such thing at all. This story is actually a rather riveting story of Becca’s discovery of her grandmother’s roots in escaping the holocaust, and as such is truly too horrifying and real a premise to be considered anything like a fantasy. Putting that aside, this was a very well told and engrossing tale. I liked Becca’s character very much and her personal journey into her roots in Poland and her grandmother’s past were interesting. As to be expected, Josef P.’s story, when the reader gets there, is disturbing on every level. It was quite reminiscent of another book I read last year called “Damned Strong Love” and should you read this part of the story and be interested in a true story written very much in the same vein, I would highly suggest reading it.

Despite the fact that had I realized the true content of this book before picking it up I never would have done so, I can’t say that I disliked this book. Sometimes I have to admit that reminding ourselves of humanities past atrocities gives new incentive toward wanting to prevent anything like that of ever happening again in the future. ( )

I liked the use of flashback (during alternating chapters) that the author used as a way to reveal the fairy tale that "Gemma" repeatedly told her grandchildren when they were young. However, I would classify this book more as historical fiction than fantasy, as it accurately depicts some of the worst atrocities (Holocaust) known to humankind.
I was confused and disturbed by the inclusion of a violent and overly graphic sexual encounter (with his past lover) that the prince shares with Becca as he tells the story of how he came to know her grandmother. It just seemed unnecessary and completely out of context - - -. ( )

I just finished this book and I was so moved. Its one of those stories you want to believe that is real because it is so great. The start is catchy and drags you in to it and the end just nails you. It was not till the last part did I count this as one of my top ten. I will not spoil it for it is too short for you not to pick up and read in one sitting. ( )

One of my all-time favorite books. ( )

In my mind, "Briar Rose" is not as brilliant a work of fiction depicting the Holocaust as "Devil's Arithmetic", and here is my reason why.

"Devil's Arithmetic" was written for children. "Briar Rose" is decidedly more graphic and adult. There were several things in the book I feel it could have done without, specifically a rather explicit scene depicting homosexuality. But still, this work is masterful in its characters and dialogue.

"Devil's Arithmetic" is going to be more accessible than "Briar Rose", in the way that "Little Mermaid" is more accesible than "In Cold Blood."
Each has its merits, and each is briliant in its own way, it just boils down to the reader to decide for themselves.
But, "Briar Rose" is still the greatest retelling of "Sleeping Beauty" that I have ever read. ( )