For the young person navigating complex family dynamics or feeling undervalued, this enchanting Cinderella retelling offers a journey of self-discovery and finding inner strength.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is struggling with feeling like an outsider in their own home, particularly within a blended family. This novel reimagines Cinderella in 18th century France, where Cendrillon loses her beloved father and is left with a cruel stepmother and two stepsisters. The story explores her journey through grief and injustice as she learns to find her own strength and identity, separate from her family's expectations. It's an excellent choice for teens 13 and up, using a familiar fairytale framework to explore complex but relatable themes of resilience, self-confidence, and navigating difficult family dynamics in a romantic and empowering way.
Includes kissing and romantic feelings. The content is sweet and not explicit.
Sensitive Topics
The main sensitive topic is the death of a parent, which occurs early in the book and is the catalyst for the plot. The approach is direct, focusing on Cinder's grief and the subsequent upheaval in her life. The resolution for Cinder is ultimately hopeful as she forges a new life, but the emotional weight of her loss is treated realistically. The story's context is secular, though set within a historically Christian culture.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 13-16, who enjoys historical romance and fairytale retellings. Specifically, it will resonate with a reader who feels misunderstood or undervalued within their family or peer group, especially one navigating the complexities of a blended family. It's for the reader who wants the magic of a fairytale combined with a deeper emotional exploration of a character's journey to self-worth.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. The themes of emotional neglect and grief are central but handled in a way that is appropriate for the YA audience. No specific scenes require previewing, but a parent could be prepared to discuss the pressures on Cinder and how she finds the strength to persevere. A parent hears their teen express feelings of not belonging or being treated unfairly at home, with comments like, "You always take their side," or, "I feel like an outsider in my own house."
Age Experience
A younger teen (13-14) will likely focus on the romantic plot, the magic of the transformation, and the classic fairytale elements. An older teen (15-18) will be better able to appreciate the nuanced character development, the historical details of pre-revolutionary France, and the themes of female agency and finding one's identity through skill and passion, not just through marriage.
What Makes It Special
What sets this retelling apart is its rich historical setting and the emphasis on Cinder's craft. Her skill as a glass-maker gives her a tangible source of identity and agency that exists independently of the prince. This focus on her passion as a path to self-reliance provides a more modern and empowering take on the classic character.
Read plot summary
Set in 18th-century France, Cendrillon (Cinder) is left in the care of her ambitious stepmother and social-climbing stepsisters after her father’s death. Stripped of her status and treated like a servant, she finds solace in her craft of glass-making. The announcement of a royal ball to find a bride for Prince Louis presents a glimmer of hope. With the help of a mysterious godmother, Cinder attends the ball, capturing the prince's attention but also entangling herself in dangerous courtly intrigue and her family's schemes.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Cinder's talent for glass-making is a source of strength and identity for her. How does having this skill, separate from her family or the prince, shape her decisions and her view of herself?
2
Cinder's godmother, de la Motte, has her own complex motivations. Do you think she was truly helping Cinder, or was she using Cinder for her own political goals? Can it be both?
3
The book is set just before the French Revolution. How do you see the themes of class, fairness, and the treatment of common people reflected in Cinder's story and her interactions at the palace?
4
Compare Cinder's stepsisters, Esmee and Anais. Though both are antagonists, how does the author show their different personalities and motivations for their behavior?
