The Goose Girl (Books of Bayern) by Shannon Hale Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Goose Girl (Books of Bayern)
Book Review: Feels Like You Are In The Middle of a Fairy Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
While reading the Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, I felt I was in the middle of a fairy tale. I should admit right now, I am a very big fan of re-told fairy tales, doesn't matter if it's the 100th re-telling of Cinderella or an off-beat tale, like the twelve dancing princesses. If it's a re-told fairy tale, chances are pretty huge that I am going to read it.
The premise for The Goose Girl is fantastic.
Shannon Hale's writing style leant perfectly to the retelling of a fairy tale. It was simple, but not to the point of being condescending. I liked that she didn't try to put in a bunch of awkward bells and whistles, but just let the story come naturally. Honestly, I think the simplicity sucked me in. After reading North and South By Elizabeth Gaskell, I needed something with less nuance (wouldn't want my brain to explode), this was the perfect book for that.
In case you can't tell, I really loved this book. I have to say, I cared so much about the main character, Ani, that I wound up becoming very enraged at certain parts. Let's just say I don't like when certain characters don't get their just desserts. I'm not about to give away spoilers, but I couldn't stop turning the pages because I wanted justice to be done. I mean, I guess I knew what was going to happen, since I had read the spoil-tastic amazon review, but I sort of forgot all of that and let myself be transported to Bayern. Personally, I find that to be a great standard to judge a book by. If I can get so into a book that I forget it's a hot day in NY, then to me, that is a fantastic book.
Book Review: Fun retelling
Summary: 4 Stars
This took me some time to get into, and at 400 pages, I was worried I would be reading forever something I didn't love. But I had read Shannon Hale before, and knew I wanted to see this through because I generally like her, but I didn't feel connected to the story or Isi until she got to the city and became a goose girl. I ended up being really engaged, and I intend to continue on with the series, but I have reservations: I found some things predictable, but it was so in the way that fairy tales are, so this wasn't as much of an issue as it could have been. Also, I sometimes felt that the writing was a bit heavy-handed, if that makes sense. And as I said, it takes some getting into. But in spite of all this, I would still recommend it. There comes a point where the characters come alive and seem to come into their own, and that is enjoyable.Book Review: Fun young adult read!
Summary: 5 Stars
I really enjoyed the story, enough to order the next two books. Believeable characters, historical details, class distinctions, and Bayern is Germany in every way. Also the story line is a classic love story-good overcomes bad with an exciting climax. I highly recommend it!Book Review: Good Read
Summary: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book and the two preceeding ones as well. My husband bought it for my 7 yr.old daughter, but I ended up reading it. It's a little much for a 7 yr.old but I would recommend it 10 years and up. Hang in there for the first chapter or two, it gets much better. Have fun reading.
I would recommend The Princess Academy by the same author. 5 star book.
Book Review: Good Read!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is such a good book and I can not wait to read the sequel! It is based on the Brother Grimm atory, only altered and made more fairytale and realistic. I highly recommend it to fantasy-fairytale lovers! Ani is a princess who's lady-in-waiting stole her title, now, in hiding, she must save herself and her country. It is a good read!