3.79
"Briar Rose" by Jane Yolen is a captivating and beautifully written novel that retells the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty in a unique and thought-provoking way. The story is told through the perspective of Rebecca Berlin, a young journalist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her grandmother's mysterious past. The novel weaves together two storylines, one set in the present day and the other during World War II. In the present day, Rebecca investigates her grandmother's tales of Briar Rose, a story she has told countless times, and begins to suspect that there is more to the story than meets the eye. As she delves deeper into her grandmother's past, she uncovers a shocking secret that has been hidden for decades. The storyline set during World War II follows Gemma, Rebecca's grandmother, as she recounts her experiences as a young Jewish girl in Poland during the war. Gemma's story is harrowing and heart-wrenching, as she and her family are forced to go into hiding to escape the Nazis. Despite the danger, Gemma finds solace in the story of Briar Rose, which she uses to escape the horrors of her reality. Yolen's writing is lyrical and evocative, bringing the story to life in a way that is both magical and haunting. The novel explores themes of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling, as Rebecca comes to understand the true meaning of her grandmother's tales of Briar Rose. Overall, "Briar Rose" is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that will captivate readers from beginning to end. It is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the resilience of the human heart, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Whether you are a fan of fairy tales or historical fiction, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression...
Shannon Hale
The Goose Girl
Fans of 'Briar Rose' will enjoy 'The Goose Girl' as it is a retelling of a classic fairy tale with a strong female lead and a focus on identity and self-discovery. The story follows a girl named Ani who is forced to flee her home after her mother's death and take on the identity of her lady-in-waiting. As she travels to the kingdom of Bayern to marry the prince, she must navigate the dangerous court intrigue and her own identity crisis to save herself and the kingdom.
Learn MoreElizabeth Marie Pope
The Perilous Gard
This book is a great choice for fans of 'Briar Rose' as it is a retelling of the ballad of Tam Lin with a focus on history and folklore. The story follows a girl named Kate who is exiled to a remote castle after being accused of treason. There, she discovers a magical world of fairies and must navigate the dangerous and mysterious world to save herself and the one she loves.
Learn MoreRobin McKinley
Spindle's End
Fans of 'Briar Rose' will enjoy 'Spindle's End' as it is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a focus on the power of storytelling and the strength of women. The story follows a girl named Katriona who is tasked with protecting the princess Rosie from the curse of the spindle. As she grows up, she must navigate the dangerous world of magic and the power of storytelling to save the one she loves and break the curse.
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