A review by andthatsonliterature
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire
3.0
Out of all the fairytales, Cinderella probably has the most adaptations from versions set in different countries to modernizations of the classic tale in both book and film. However, out of all the retellings/spin-offs of Cinderella this is the first one that I’ve read told from the ugly stepsister’s perspective and my view on the stepsisters are completely different after reading this version. They’re not the enemy and they were not the typical rude girls we get in most versions of Cinderella so that was good change to see.
In this retelling, Cinderella’s name is actually Clara and we get to see life where both of her parents are living. I thought the author took an interesting approach with his version of events. The only thing that is still very clear is that the stepmother is still public enemy #1, however she’s kind of painted as a woman that is doing what she has to do for the sake of her children.
All in all, I liked the new outlook on Cinderella’s story, especially since it shed light on some missing pieces in the original tale. Now I think I want to read one from the stepmother’s view because as of now she is not beating the allegations.
In this retelling, Cinderella’s name is actually Clara and we get to see life where both of her parents are living. I thought the author took an interesting approach with his version of events. The only thing that is still very clear is that the stepmother is still public enemy #1, however she’s kind of painted as a woman that is doing what she has to do for the sake of her children.
All in all, I liked the new outlook on Cinderella’s story, especially since it shed light on some missing pieces in the original tale. Now I think I want to read one from the stepmother’s view because as of now she is not beating the allegations.