In the book "Snow White and Rose Red" by Patricia C. Wrede, readers are taken on a journey to Elizabethan England where the Widow Arden and her daughters, Blanche and Rosamund, navigate a world filled with magic, sorcery, and faeries. The story follows the intertwining lives of the widow, the two sorcerers John Dee and Edward Kelly, and the faerie brothers Hugh and John as they become entangled in a web of enchantments and power struggles. With the backdrop of an era filled with witch hunts and magical intrigue, Wrede weaves a tale that combines elements of the original fairy tale with a unique twist, all while immersing the reader in a world where Elizabethan English speech adds an authentic touch to the storytelling.

The narrative unfolds with a mix of danger, mystery, and fairy tale charm, drawing readers into a world where the characters must navigate risks, curses, and the whims of the Fae. As the plot unravels, the story delves into themes of family, magic, and the clash between the mortal and faerie realms, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling that keeps readers engaged with its blend of Elizabethan setting and fantastical elements.

Characters:

Characters are multifaceted, with a focus on the Widow and her daughters, though some characters, such as the sisters, are noted to lack depth.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines Elizabethan English dialogue with a standard narrative, creating a rich immersive experience, albeit challenging for some readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves together various narratives, enhancing the fairy tale with deeper character relationships and unexpected twists.

Setting:

The setting combines Elizabethan England with fantasy, creating a vivid backdrop for the intertwining narratives.

Pacing:

Pacing varies throughout, with some early slow sections and parts that feel overly lengthy, hindering overall momentum.

“Once upon a time there was a poor widow who lived in a tiny cottage near a lonely forest. In front of the cottage were two rosebushes, one white and the other red. The widow had two girls who were li...

Notes:

The book is set in Elizabethan England during Queen Elizabeth I's reign.

It features a widow named Arden who lives in a village as an herbalist.

The story involves faerie elements and characters, including a Queen and her two sons.

One of the sons is turned into a bear due to magical mishaps by mischievous fairies.

The dialogue is written in Elizabethan English, which some readers found challenging.

Each chapter includes a summary of the original Grimm tale to guide readers.

The plot intertwines the lives of mortals and faeries, highlighting their conflicts and relationships.

Characters are more complex, with motivations that expand beyond the original fairy tale.

The author, Patricia C. Wrede, aims to create a realistic portrayal of the settings and characters.

From The Publisher:

Medieval English tricksters John Dee and Ned Kelly, as well as the queen of Faerie, play key roles in a new version of the classic fairytale about two sisters and the enchanted prince they befriend

Ratings (2)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (6)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
Snow White and Rose Red?

See the list (91 books)

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.

Activity

Recommendations

My Stuff

Account

More

Snow White and Rose Red

Patricia C. Wrede