MADreads

Fairytale turned upside down

October 28th, 2008 Liz C. - Alicia Ashman

I’m not generally a reader of graphic novels, though my associate at work is always trying to change that. However, I am a fan of the author Shannon Hale. So when a new book came across the desk by her I decided to take a look at it even though it was a graphic novel. Hale takes classic stories and themes in her books The Princess Academy and The Goose Girl, shakes them up, turns them sideways or upside down in order to look at the reality behind the fairy tale. And that is true also in this new book, Rapunzel’s Revenge.

In Rapunzel’s Revenge Hale’s strong narrative style plus the wonderfully balanced use of humor to engage the reader, which I enjoy most in her books, is very evident. But in a way, it is the wonderful graphic story by Nathan Hale (no relation) which really ties the tale together. It’s all very well to say that Rapunzel has very long hair, but seeing it braided and used to lasso a wild pig, or to whip a gun out of an outlaw’s hand is unreal but great.  And setting the story in the wild, wild west is another winner.  Get this book and read it!

Entry Filed under: Graphic Novel, Young Adult