Zel by Donna Jo Napoli Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Zel
Book Review: Very nice.
Summary: 4 Stars
As you probably know, this book is a retelling of the fairy tale Rapunzel.When I read this, I was surprised at how original the story as told by Napoli really is. It isn't simply Rapunzel told with more detail than usual, it is an entirely new story, which uses the fairy tale Rapunzel only as a guideline. At the same time, the book keeps all the plot elements of the original Brothers Grimm version.
It fills the gaps of the original tale beautifully, by giving all the characters sympathetic personalities and motivations. In this rendition, all the people are likable and realistic. In the most striking example, Napoli removes the one-dimensional villain, originally an evil fairy or witch, and replaces her with Zel's overly-loving step-mother. There are also many new characters and situations, such as the town and townspeople. It's fascinating how this book adds so much to the original story but still keeps all its details, such as Rapunzel's tears healing the prince's eyes.
The only plot element of the original tale that no longer makes sense in Napoli's version is Rapunzel's imprisonment in the tower. There are some attempts made by her mother to explain why exactly she is imprisoning her beloved daughter, but in the end it still doesn't completely fit. Also, the issue of selling one's soul to the devil doesn't quite suit the atmosphere of this story. It seems like something taken from an entirely different genre of folk tale.
However, this book remains an amazing show of skill on the author's part. Some of the scenes are written so beautifully that they can bring tears even if they aren't remotely sad. The switch of narrators, back and forth from Zel to the prince to Zel's mother, gives a full perspective on the story, at the same time keeping everything interesting. This is a lovely book.
Book Review: Very well written.
Summary: 5 Stars
As a little girl I loved the story of Rapunzel. I read it every chance I got. When I was 13 I found Zel. Which is the real story of Rapunzel. What a well written and amazing book!! The way the charecters are described makes you want to keep reading until the very end. If you enjoyed the simple fairy tale as a child. Then you will love the more grown up version just as much!Book Review: Warning
Summary: 3 Stars
Do not give this to your daughter as I was about to do, unless you want to encourage premarital sex. I was very disapointed that a potentially good story had to be ruined with values I so strongly disagree with.Book Review: Well written
Summary: 5 Stars
This book takes place in the Midevil times. It is broken into each characters point of view. Usually I wouldn't like these kinds of books and how they are split in POV, but Napoli makes it great. Zel is a fairy tale that is twisted and bent a little (RepunZEL. It's a tale of love, desire, and of determination. It really is a must read.Book Review: Well-written book for ALL ages
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first got this book, I thought it would be childish....Ithought if was one of the best books I've read, and I've read most ofthe fantasy books published. I liked the story line and thecharacters so much that I gave this book to my nine-year-old sister toread. I cannot disaggree with the concerned mother's, but I've readalot worse!!! Zel is like the average teenager, and when she meetsKonrad, she gets like a major crush on him. He falls head over hillsfor her, and then her mother gets all possessive and locks her in atower. If you never re-read stories, you'll find that you keepwanting to open the book if only to read the good parts. I think thatif parents want to make guidlines for their children, that's ok, butat least give them a good bedtime story of your own. Imagination isnot what it used to be.