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rashmi_taylorsversion's review
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
midnightstory's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
i was so boreddd
mariahistryingtoread's review
2.0
This is very reminiscent of Spinners also by Donna Jo Napoli with Richard Tchen.
It's to be expected since it's the same author but what I really mean is that it's equally as unsatisfying.
It's a plain-faced retelling of Rapunzel. There are some interesting psychological aspects I feel were well done. Outside of that it's not particularly special. The writing style limits the amount of exploration that can be done on the topic as it's simplistic and lacking in varied prose.
Zel adds enough extraneous development I feel it was better than Spinners, but it's not like that's hard. The two are extraordinarily similar to the point I'd say if you didn't like Spinners don't bother with Zel. Yes, it is somewhat more enjoyable. No, I don't think it's worth reading.
It's to be expected since it's the same author but what I really mean is that it's equally as unsatisfying.
It's a plain-faced retelling of Rapunzel. There are some interesting psychological aspects I feel were well done. Outside of that it's not particularly special. The writing style limits the amount of exploration that can be done on the topic as it's simplistic and lacking in varied prose.
Zel adds enough extraneous development I feel it was better than Spinners, but it's not like that's hard. The two are extraordinarily similar to the point I'd say if you didn't like Spinners don't bother with Zel. Yes, it is somewhat more enjoyable. No, I don't think it's worth reading.
amethystarchild's review
2.0
“Zel” by Donna Jo Napoli is a retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale in the Swiss Alps. Zel’s mother loves her adopted daughter very much, and can’t bear to part with her. So when it appears that Zel might have fallen in love she locks her up in a tower for two years, until the count she had fallen in love with finds her. They consummate their relationship, but Zel’s mother finds out and sends her far away and blinds the count. In the end Zel returns to her homeland with her two daughters and she finds her husband again and heals his eyes with her tears.
Content Warnings:
-Passionate kissing and implied sex.
Possible Triggers: Barrenness, controlling parents, promiscuity.
I enjoyed “Zel” alright, but the style of narration in 2nd person was a little confusing at first. It was basically just a point by point retelling of Rapunzel, just with a little more back story. It was nice enough, but not very interesting or as engaging as it could have been. I like the characters well enough, they were all complex and did change as the book progressed, becoming more mature, or gaining new insight. The love story was sweet enough, but did feel rushed. I recommend that younger readers avoid this retelling because there was some off-putting themes that would be better for a slightly more mature reader.
Content Warnings:
-Passionate kissing and implied sex.
Possible Triggers: Barrenness, controlling parents, promiscuity.
I enjoyed “Zel” alright, but the style of narration in 2nd person was a little confusing at first. It was basically just a point by point retelling of Rapunzel, just with a little more back story. It was nice enough, but not very interesting or as engaging as it could have been. I like the characters well enough, they were all complex and did change as the book progressed, becoming more mature, or gaining new insight. The love story was sweet enough, but did feel rushed. I recommend that younger readers avoid this retelling because there was some off-putting themes that would be better for a slightly more mature reader.
ladyanne's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
follypotter's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
windsinger's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
amyappy's review
4.0
Intriguing and lovely retelling of the Rapunzel story. I love the WAY in which Napoli retells the old fairytale as much (such beautiful prose!) as much as the actual story, which both surprises and makes you (or at least me) giggle in recognition. Being a little older, I did find myself slightly alarmed by the incredible... youngness of the characters--but it is a YA book, and it is set in the 1500s, so perhaps not so strange. Loved it then, still love it now.