Stepsister

Stepsister
By Jennifer Donnelly
Scholastic Press, 2019. 352 pages. Young Adult

This is the story of Cinderella's stepsister Isabelle, who cut off her toes to fit into Cinderella's shoe.  When her deception is discovered, Isabelle is cast aside in her shame, while Cinderella heads off for her happily ever after.  But Isabelle's story is only just beginning.  Isabelle's life has been one in which her lack of beauty cost her happiness and hampered her spirit, and she is far from perfect.  But the literal embodiment of Chance is on her side, fighting to give her an edge over Fate.  Armed not with a pumpkin-turned carriage and rags-turned-ballgown, but with gifts befitting her fire and bravery, it is up to Isabelle to save those she loves and snatch herself from Fate's grasp.

Isabelle is a flawed character who must overcome her own shortcomings as much as the cruel hand life has dealt her.  She also must come to terms with the life expected of her as a woman in 18th-century France, and the life she dreams of, unfettered by any restriction.  This story was so imaginative and unusual that I couldn't help but be pulled along.  Recommended for fans of "fractured fairy tales" and those who want to cheer on the underdog.

BHG