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A review by jillie
Zel by Donna Jo Napoli
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
Napoli gave a fantastic Ted Talk about the importance of including darker topics in children’s books: https://youtu.be/3j2oom5Y3tc
*Mild Spoilers Ahead (especially if you don’t know the Rapunzel story)*
This book was so important to me as a kid and as an adult, I understand why. I see a lot of comments that kids shouldn’t read this Rapunzel retelling. Obviously this is all subjective. I had a rough childhood and reading this story growing up meant a lot to me. It made me feel recognized and gave me hope that there’s always a way out of the tower. A lot of kids/young people don’t openly discuss these topics, so having books that can speak to them is important. Reading thoughts that echoed my own was healing. I realized I wasn’t alone or completely abnormal. Zel’s descent from her abuse is told well and my heart still aches for her. The end is beautiful and sad all at once. I’m SO THANKFUL for this book. I *almost* wish it were longer, and of course the romance could have been told a little better. But I can accept the romance since it’s a fairytale retelling and I can believe in soulmates.
*Mild Spoilers Ahead (especially if you don’t know the Rapunzel story)*
This book was so important to me as a kid and as an adult, I understand why. I see a lot of comments that kids shouldn’t read this Rapunzel retelling. Obviously this is all subjective. I had a rough childhood and reading this story growing up meant a lot to me. It made me feel recognized and gave me hope that there’s always a way out of the tower. A lot of kids/young people don’t openly discuss these topics, so having books that can speak to them is important. Reading thoughts that echoed my own was healing. I realized I wasn’t alone or completely abnormal. Zel’s descent from her abuse is told well and my heart still aches for her. The end is beautiful and sad all at once. I’m SO THANKFUL for this book. I *almost* wish it were longer, and of course the romance could have been told a little better. But I can accept the romance since it’s a fairytale retelling and I can believe in soulmates.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis