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Loading... The Golden Braid (2015)by Melanie Dickerson
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. I can certainly say that Melanie Dickerson has done it again with her latest fairytale retelling of Rapunzel and featuring the medieval Hagenheim. With accurate historical details the reader is plunged into Melanie Dickerson's story world and I would have to say that this book is bound to please readers of medieval adventure stories (like me!). A sweet love story ties the characters together, and Christian themes tie the plotlines together. If you like Medieval History, adventure and romance, this is the book for you. Jack Murphy 3.5 Stars Although I have read all of Melanie Dickersonâs books, and will likely continue to do so, they have been something of a mixed bag for me. It is interesting to read an alternative representation of fairy tales from a Christian perspective, stripped of the magical and âfairy godmotherâ type content. However, some of the content can also be a little clichĂ©d, implausibleâŠâŠand romantic mush in any novel by any author is starting to wear a little bit thin for me. I really donât want to read about characters admiring one anotherâs lips or physique, or having some âwarmâ feeling when they kiss. Itâs just eye-roll inducing⊠Anyway, I was eagerly anticipating The Golden Braid although I had some reservations based on the synopsis (I worried it might be overly politically correct). In the first half, I was pleasantly surprised by the well-drawn characters who were obviously harbouring secrets and baggage, but also the historical details. I was rather pleased to see that the author went some way towards questioning the assumption that it was âheresyâ to read the Bible in oneâs own language in the Medieval period. (This was not considered heretical in and of itself). The relationship and developing friendship between Rapunzel and Sir Gerek was quite sweet and endearing- one might say rather refreshing for being free of romantic mush. He taught her to read to pay her back for helping him, and she was able to get over her distrust of men to learn about faith. Also, although she was strong and able to look after herself, Rapunzel was not one of those militant proto-feminist heroines with a chip on her shoulder against the whole world, like you see in some stories. As the story progressed however, there was some crossover with one of the previous novels The Princess Spy, with the story covering a lot of the same ground and content. This did not continue for too long- but I felt that towards the end, after about three quarters of the way through, the story started to become somewhat rushed, choppy, and weaker than it was before. Rapunzel gets locked in a tower (to follow the fairy tale) but it was rather a minor aspect of the story that was dealt with better elsewhere. In some ways, Mother Gothelâs control and demands on Rapunzel were more of an imprisonment. Also, there came to be some details that seemed rather- far-fetched- like Gerek just happening to pull a âtarp coveredâ torch out of his saddlebag. Seriously? Was tarpaulin even invented then? Also, I found the idea of a war-hose being spooked by a hare a bit much- they were meant to be highly trained so as not to be easily scared. An animal like that would be pretty much useless on the battlefield, so why would an experienced knight even keep it. Also, things got a little mushier later on in the story in terms of romance- with more kissing and touching. Although it was interesting to see the characters wrestling with one anotherâs revelations and feelings for one another, as well as to forgive those who wronged them. Overall, The Golden Braid was a satisfying and interesting story which holds the attention of the reader. In spite of some weaknesses, I would say it was one of the better stories in this continuing series. Although, perhaps later novels might be better for including newer characters and storylines not related to the family and region of the others. Thanks to Booklook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free kindle edition of this book for review. I read this alongside listening to the audiobook (which I purchased of my own volition), I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. no reviews | add a review
Belongs to SeriesHagenheim (6)
Romance.
Folklore.
Young Adult Fiction.
Young Adult Literature.
HTML: From New York Times bestselling author comes The Golden Braid, a Rapunzel retelling that proves the one who needs rescuing isn't always the one in the tower. Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry. Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel's hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once againâ??this time, to the large city of Hagenheim. The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knightâ??Sir Gerekâ??Rapunzel in turn rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to this knight than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position? As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery is about to be revealed after seventeen years of lies. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to? "The Golden Braid is a delightful, page-turning retelling of the story of Rapunzel. Dickerson brings this familiar fairy tale to life with a fresh and unique plot that is full of complex characters, a sweet romance, and danger at every turn. Rapunzel's search to understand her place in the medieval world is a timeless identity struggle that modern readers will relate to. Her growing courage and faith are inspirational and will have readers cheering her on and sad to see the story come to an end." â??Jody Hedlund, bestselling author of An Uncertain No library descriptions found. |
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This was an awesome read! The setting was realistic; I felt as if I was actually there. I also enjoyed getting acquainted with the characters. I had a hard time putting it down, once I got started.
Since this is especially written for teens and young adults, I plan to share this book with my daughter. My almost-sixteen year old son might enjoy it, since he is especially interested in the medieval time period.
I definitely plan to read more of Melanie's books! ( )