Zel, by Donna Jo Napoli (reviewed by Peta Jinnath Andersen) page 2/2
In those pages that are actually about sex, Napoli's word choices seem overripe, a stark contrast to the rest of the story and likely a deliberate attempt to make these pivotal moments, Zel's first transformative moments, stand out in the reader's mind. Interestingly, Napoli covers the sex scenes in Konrad's voice and although this is a fitting end to his frenzied searching, I can't help but wish she had worked in Zel's instead; Zel is the main character, the interesting character, the one most readers want to hear from.
Zel is certainly a book worth reading, even if it is a tad unsatisfying for my tastes. Although the present tense text and simple sentences accomplish Napoli's goal of drawing the reader in, the lack of variation soon becomes wearing, particularly in those scenes where Zel is wild, maddened by her lonely existence in the tower. Rather than emphasising her wildness, the unvaried telling slows the pace, making the middle of the story lag. Later, as we progress helter-skelter to the end, the sentences fail to keep up with the story—Napoli leads us too quickly from the tower to the coast of France, through Konrad's wandering, to acceptance. The ending is too fast paced, a foot race to the finish, skipping jaggedly from moment to moment. The meat of the story is in its beginning, in Mother's dash to the tower, in the start of Konrad's search; after these points, the story begins to dwindle, and even Napoli's skill cannot save it.
————
Recommended Reading:
Rapunzel, Paul O. Zelinsky—a stunning picture book with pre-Raphaelite inspired illustrations. The text (taken from the Brothers Grimm) is not entirely suitable for children—while it's not explicit anywhere, the ending may not make sense to younger readers.
Book of a Thousand Days, Shannon Hale—while not actually a Rapunzel telling, Shannon Hale's Book of a Thousand Days is a vivid work inspired by Maid Maleen (AT 870, the entombed princess) that may resonate with Rapunzel enthusiasts. Hale's story a little long in the middle and, at times, events seem a little too convenient, but the main character, Dashti, is sympathetic and intereting. Overall, a worthwhile read. Interested in more stories about a true bride? Look for Hale's The Goose Girl and the Once Upon a Time series The Rose Bride.
Golden: A Retelling of Rapunzel, Cameron Dokey—part of the Once Upon a Time series from Simon Pulse (Simon and Schuster's young readers imprint). Dokey sketches a refreshing Rapunzel with an active and inspired plotline, full of surprises. Although technically young adult, Golden is more of a cross-over novel, mature enough for readers of all ages. Keep an eye out for Cameron Dokey's other Once Upon a Time books, too.
[previous] . 1 . 2 . [contents]