Rapunzel
loves her mother, even if she is a bit odd, over-bearing and
constantly issues warning about the dangers of men. Therefore,
Rapunzel's yearnings to read and to marry must remain a secret. When
initially unfortunate circumstances award her the opportunity to
learn how to read from the handsome knight, Sir Gerek, Rapunzel
covertly defies her mother's wishes and finds her love of reading
grows deeper than expected. Surprisingly, affection slowly grows
between her and Sir Gerek as well. However, he is promised to
another and Rapunzel's mother is devoted to keeping Rapunzel home and
unmarried all her life. Will Rapunzel and Sir Gerek follow the
desires of others or the desires of their hearts? Read more in The
Golden Braid by Melanie
Dickerson.
The Golden Braid
is Melanie Dickerson's newest installment in her fairy tale
retellings that feature Duke Wilhelm, his family and surrounding
Hagenheim. Sufficient information is given for this book to
stand-alone, but there are so many returning characters that having
read the prior books (or at least some of them, as is the case for
me) gives the story a deeper dimension. I believe that this story
takes place concurrently with The Princess Spy.
However, I haven't read that particular one, so I can't say for sure.
I
enjoyed Rapunzel's development from being enmeshed within an
unhealthy mother-daughter relationship to becoming a liberated,
independent young woman. The love relationship between Rapunzel and
Sir Gerek developed sweetly. Dickerson's writing style is smooth and
the plot moved along steadily.
In
spite of those positives, The Golden Braid is
not my favorite of Dickerson's tales. Certain aspects were borrowed
from the Disney movie, Tangled.
I recognize that both this novel and that movie are based on the
Rapunzel fairy tale, but somehow the similarities between the two
seemed to cheapen the story as these aspects were from the movie, not
fairy tale based. It's completely possible that some readers might
find these similarities endearing, but for me, it wasn't a positive
aspect.
The Golden Braid
is categorized as YA reading and I see certain elements that commend
it to that genre. However, I think older fans of fairy tale
retellings will also find this novel to be a satisfactory read.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this ebook free from the publisher via netgalley. I was
not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have
expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the
Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides
Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."