Comment

FindingJane
Aug 23, 2016FindingJane rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Cinderella is one of those heroines post-modern feminists are supposed to despise. She’s a passive, submissive Goody Two-Shoes who suffers without complaint the viciousness, cruelty and disdain of her domineering stepmother and good-for-nothing stepsisters. She gets to a ball by accepting the magical aid of a convenient deus ex machina. She falls in love with the first man who shows an interest in her simply because he’s rich and good looking and agrees to marry him after meeting him just three times. Ah, but is she so terrible, this Cinderella? She’s good, kind, sweet and good natured. Are these character flaws? She’s hard working, dedicated and isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. Shouldn’t she be applauded for that? She’s helpful and genuinely sympathetic, especially to small animals. Sounds like lots of activists to me. This particular picture book shows Cinderella at her best. She longs to go to ball, not necessarily to have a good time but to escape the cruelty of a home that had grown hateful to her. She doesn’t meet the prince for the first time as an anonymous princess-incognito but as a girl helping a wounded bird. The prince impresses her with his seeming kindness; he wonders if she might be hurt and is charmed by her simplicity and beauty. They actually talk before they meet up again at the ball. It might be love at first sight but at least there’s some basis for it besides good looks and fine clothes. The story is also enhanced by exquisite illustrations of beauty and intricacy of design. Set in 1700s France, the clothing of the royal crowds reflects the extravagant dress of the period and the exterior and interior illustrations are reminiscent of Jean-Antoine Watteau. Even the cover is a feast for the eyes, featuring cloisonné ovals, an ornate titular lettering and the beauteous Cinderella herself, resplendent in antique costume. If you ever wanted to cozy up with your child and read this story while delighting over the pages or simply wish it to fulfill a guilty pleasure, this “Cinderella” is not to be missed.